Rethinking ADHD

In a future issue of in the journal Trends in Neurosciences, Francois Gonon of the University of Bordeaux questions the theoretical basis of a drug given to over 10 million children worldwide. He argues that "neurochemical, genetic, pharmacological and imaging studies do not strongly support the view that a dopaminergic deficit underlies Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” and that this “weak” scientific theory “gives… credence to a view that favors psychostimulant medication over other medical, psychological and social approaches to ADHD treatment”. The prescription of psychostimulants (e.g. Ritalin) remains controversial. “Although it is difficult to accept, no scientific theory is socially preferable to a weak one,” Gonon concludes.