By Melinda Smith
Washington
30 July 2007
 

For at least a decade, mental health experts assumed that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was a mental condition primarily seen in Western culture, especially in the United States.  However, research by a team of Brazilian scientists found the mental disorder exists worldwide [and is most prevalent in Africa and South America].   A new study of American children with ADHD looks at which course of treatment is most effective in the long term.  VOA's Melinda Smith has details.

ADHD child kicking wall

Ashley Johnson was diagnosed at age seven. "Sometimes I wish I could stand still, like right now.  I'm moving my feet and so it's just weird to just stand there and not to do anything -- I don't know."

Winnie Johnson says medication and therapy have helped her daughter.

Ashley Johnson

During a two-year period, researchers followed 485 children, after they had already participated in a randomized treatment phase lasting 14 months. 

Parents then chose treatment for their child from three options:  medication or behavioral therapy alone, a combination of both, or referral to community mental health resources.  What they found was that no matter which treatment was chosen, ADHD children did improve over time.

Peter Jensen

Without treatment, ADHD children are more prone to leaving school, having behavioral problems or substance abuse.

In the study of those who got consistent treatment, some kids improved right away.  Others took longer.  But the study's authors say the key to success for each family was simply finding what treatment works best for the child, and staying with it.