The U.S. Surgeon General worries that we are undertreating ADHD. A report notes that "fewer children (2 to 3 percent of school-aged children) are being treated for ADHD than suffer from it. Treatment rates are much lower for selected groups such as girls, minorities, and children receiving care through public service systems." (http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter3/sec4.html)

Some pediatricians worry that we are using higher and higher doses of stimulant medication without understanding the long term consequences of this treatment.

Some parents and schools want to medicate children, even when doctors don't think medication is indicated. Other parents don't want to medicate their children, even when doctors think that treatment is in the child's best interest.

Stimulant medications can be used not just for the treatment of ADHD but also for cognitive enhancement. Many high school and college students use these medications to boost their academic performance.

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