Stephen Hinshaw, a distinguished psychologist, and Richard Scheffler, an eminent health economist, uniquely blend clinical wisdom, current science, medical and school policy, and global trends to debunk myths and set the record straight in The ADHD Explosion. They describe the origins of ADHD and its huge costs to society; the science behind its causes as well as medication and behavioral treatment; and the variation in diagnosis and treatment across the U.S. Dealing directly with stimulants as "smart pills," they describe the epidemic of medicalization, arguing that accurate diagnosis and well-monitored care could ease the staggering economic burden linked to ADHD. In innovative ways, they unravel the many poignant issues facing children, teachers, clinicians, and family members who contend with ADHD each day. The recommendations they make can improve the quality of life for those touched by ADHD and potentially improve the productivity and safety of all society.

The reality of ADHD -- Essential issues -- Rising rates of diagnosis and expanding treatment -- ADHD: a top 10 list -- 1. The TNT fueling the explosion: origins and costs of ADHD : Jose: "Immaturity that might last a lifetime" ; From then to now ; Money: the costs of ADHD -- 2. The nature and causes of ADHD: where biology meets culture : Becky: "Lost opportunities" ; A continuum, not a category? ; Symptoms, problems, and impairments: what is ADHD? ; ADHD across the years ; Impairments ; Models and causes ; Putting it all together -- 3. Diagnosing and treating ADHD: do it right or pay the price : Tommy: "Problems everywhere" ; Performing the evaluation ; Treatments for ADHD and evidence for their effects -- 4. The upward spiral of ADHD medications: enhanced performance or potential for abuse? : Ralph: "Miracle cure" ; Skyrocketing ADHD medications ; Stimulants and the brain: main effects and side effects ; Reducing problems or enhancing skills? ; Diversion and neuroenhancement: stimulants for everyone? -- 5. What a difference a state makes: how educational policy determines diagnosis and treatment : Jessie: "A new home" ; A tale of two states ; Schools and school policies matter ; Other laws regarding schools and ADHD -- 6. The cost of ADHD: it's the economy, stupid : Frank: "Will it always be this way?" ; Ever-increasing cost escalation ; Benefits of the spending ; Conclusion -- 7. ADHD and the media: what's being said and what's being sold? : What does the public see and hear? ; Advertisements and the selling of ADHD medications -- 8. ADHD around the world : International recognition and diagnosis ; Treatment and services for ADHD around the world ; Differences across cultures and nations: a bird's-eye view ; Economic development and ADHD -- 9. Beyond white, middle-class boys, plus the stigma of ADHD : Young children ; Adults ; Girls, women, and minorities ; Stigma: is ADHD still a source of shame? -- 10. The future of ADHD: predictions, confusions, and conclusions : Weighing and weighting the evidence ; Predicting the future ; Back to school ; What can be done? The bottom line.