Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: ensuring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment | WPN World People News

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders worldwide, affecting 3.3 million children and adolescents in the European Union alone.

According to the Assembly on March 6, meeting in Paris at Standing Committee level, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ADHD is essential, but remains a challenge. Adopting a report prepared by Eloïsa Bonet (Andorra, SOC), parliamentarians said European governments should address the risk factors leading to misdiagnosis of ADHD, including by ensuring adequate training of health-care professionals and full compliance with diagnostic procedures.

They should have a comprehensive approach to ADHD treatment, give priority to behavioural interventions and academic support for children with ADHD, and ensure that psycho-stimulants are used as a measure of last resort, and always in combination with other treatments.

Source: Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe