New ADHD Guidelines Issued
December 18, 2011
Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate)| Louise M. Tarantino
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The new guidelines recommend that treating sources recognize that ADHD is a chronic condition and treat it accordingly. Patients will generally require special long-term mental health care. According to the AAP, “ADHD is a condition that generally persists for years and its effect on young patients can extend well into adulthood. For that reason, an approach that keeps a long-term perspective in mind is appropriate.”
The AAP also recommended that clinicians should assess a child being evaluated for ADHD for conditions that frequently co-exist with ADHD. These include oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. The recommendation notes that symptoms of these other conditions may be reduced in the course of the ADHD treatment.
The guidelines were published online in the journal Pediatrics on October 16, 2011. Thanks to Amy Leach of the Norwich office of Legal Services of Mid-New York for alerting us to these new guidelines. Amy notes that they may be helpful to advocates struggling with ADHD cases, especially when requesting information from treating sources.
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