[Controversial aspects of the attention deficit disorder]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychiatry

Context:

• Ongoing debate regarding Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) classification as a neurodevelopmental entity.
• Contrasting views on the sufficiency of scientific evidence for ADD as a developmental anomaly requiring specific treatment.
• Exploration of attention and autoregulation models in understanding ADD.

Purpose:

• To critically analyze the neurobiological basis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
• To review diagnostic approaches, including cognitive areas and phenotyping.
• To discuss various interdisciplinary treatment strategies for ADD.

Summary:

• Examines the neurological underpinnings of ADD using functional neuroimaging (PET, SPECT, fMRI), neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and genetics.
• Highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, differentiating ADD types, and identifying phenotypes or phenocopies.
• Discusses advocated treatments within an interdisciplinary framework, presenting a comprehensive analysis of available information.

Impact:

• Facilitates a clearer understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) by synthesizing current scientific knowledge.
• Provides insights into the neurobiological basis and diagnostic complexities of ADD.
• Informs the development and application of evidence-based, interdisciplinary treatments for ADD.