by Martin Whitely.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorders in the Western world. The Australian Government estimates 350,000 children are affected, with over 57,000 medicated for the disorder. But what exactly is ADHD and why have diagnosis rates exploded? Is there a scientific basis for defining a set of childhood behaviours as a disorder and do children actually benefit from current treatments?