Primary-care approach to the diagnosis and management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a relatively common problem, affects 3 to 5% of school-age children. Physicians are often reluctant to treat children with ADHD, possibly because of the lack of a practical approach to the assessment. The medical model, with some modifications, is well suited for this purpose. Comprehensive treatment, including both medication and nonmedical intervention, should be coordinated by the primary-care provider. Logistic considerations are another barrier to effective treatment of ADHD. The physician must have a practical plan to provide high-quality care to children with ADHD. Primary-care physicians, who have detailed information about children and their families, are in an ideal position to treat patients with ADHD.