Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs:  Aspergers Syndrome, autism and atypical autism) are conditions which should not be denoted primarily as diseases but more correctly as disabilities which make their debut in childhood. In a typical case, the afflicted individual has pronounced and sometimes very gravely compromised function, which effects the individual throughout life. In many cases other mental disturbances set in, such as anxiety, depressive states and sometimes psychotic breakthrough which further complicate life. The conditions can also present in milder forms, with problems mainly during school years and only mild or hardly discernible functional disability in adulthood.

Despite advances in knowledge of etiology, diagnostics and treatment of these conditions in recent years, many unresolved issues remain. Recently conducted inventories of established practice in Swedish health and medical care disclosed that many different methods are applied for diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the project is to systematically compile the evidence underlying methods for diagnosis and treatment of patients with ADHD and ASDs.