EP Departmental Seminar Series. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: separating facts from fiction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common disorder that affects around 3 in 100 children. Although like other neurodevelopmental disorders, it first starts in childhood, problems can persist into adult life. Despite enormous advances in research, it remains poorly understand and regularly continues to attract controversy. What is ADHD? Why is it not simply "naughty behaviour"? What we have learnt about causes?

My aim is to consider some myths and misunderstandings and present recent scientific findings that inform us about the nature of ADHD and its causes. I will focus on evidence that is robust and consistent and highlight some misinterpretations. Scientific research has generated a considerable body of consistent evidence on ADHD and as a result we have learnt much about it. I will highlight also the need for rigorous scientific investigation and further discoveries.