Responding to overwhelming requests for advice in treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced its first treatment guidelines on the subject. The Academy suggests that a combination of behavior techniques and medications such as Ritalin may be effective in treating ADHD, the most common childhood neurobehavioral disorder.

Anywhere between 4% and 12% of American children ages 6-12 may have ADHD. Of these 3.8 million children, most are boys. Symptoms of ADHD include, but may not be limited to, trouble focusing and sitting still, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior.

The recommendations are based on information gathered from child psychologists and psychiatrics. The recommendations tout the use of Ritalin. Often, a combination of both medications and behavior therapy such as time-outs is recommended, but for some children, medications or behavioral techniques alone will work.

Academy critics claim that the group encourages doctors to turn to Ritalin as a quick fix for ADHD, despite a general lack of information regarding the drug's long-term effects. The Academy recommends that Ritalin treatment begin only after a definite diagnosis of ADHD.