ADHD in the scientific and political context - Foreword

The foreword focuses on the three main critical questions within the political debate: (1) Is ADHD a psychiatric disorder? (2) Is there over-diagnosis and overtreatment of ADHD? (3) Are psychostimulants dangerous drugs? After discussing the problems within the context of general scientific and merely European political context, the authors conclude with a positive outlook comprising (1) step-up of research in ADHD, (2) exercised control over diagnosis and treatment, (3) the need for training and continuous personal development for doctors, and (4) Improvement of information to teachers and parents. The presented supplement on "ADHD - beyond core symptoms. Not only a European perspective" underlines this perspective and reflects a broad spectrum of ADHD-related activities currently underway in Europe while having the worldwide development of the field in mind.