This Article  • Full text  • PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in JAMA

Joan Stephenson, PhD

JAMA. 1998;280:1978.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 138 words of the full text and any section headings.

Inconsistency in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up characterizes the care of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to a consensus panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"A more consistent set of diagnostic and treatment practices, in combination with the potential risks associated with medication, points to the need for improved awareness by the health service sector concerning an appropriate assessment, treatment, and follow-up," the panel noted. "A more consistent set of diagnostic procedures and practice guidelines is of utmost importance."

The group also cited the need to study the benefits and risks of long-term use of psychostimulants.

A copy of the NIH Consensus Statement on Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be obtained by calling (888) NIH-CONSENSUS ([888] 644-2667) or visiting the NIH Consensus Development Web site at http://consensus.nih.gov.