Attention-deficit trends

Pelham, W.E. (1989). Behavior therapy, behavioral assessment, and psychostimulant medication in the treatment of attention deficit disorders an interactive approach. In Swanson, J. and Bloomingdale, L., eds. Attention Deficit Disorders (IV) Current Concepts and Emerging Trends in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Childhood. London Pergamon Press, pp. 169— 195. 

The trend in Ritalin use has changed dramatically during the last decade. The number of people diagnosed as having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased from 900,000 in 1990 to about 5 million in 2000. At the same time, the number of prescriptions for Ritalin has increased from 3 million in 1991 to 11 million in 1998. In addition, the age and the type of individuals diagnosed as having ADHD has also changed. 

Health officials are concerned with a trend of young people misusing stimulants that are used to treat attention deficit disorder. A survey of students, ages 11 to 18, suggest that many young people seek to obtain ADD medication without a prescription. 

American Academy of Pediatrics 2000. Clinical practice guideline Diagnosis and evaluation of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics 105 1158-1170 American Psychiatric Association 1994. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders DSM-IV. American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC Arnsten A. F. T. 1998. Catecholamine modulation of prefrontal cortical cognitive function. Trends Cogn. Sci. 2 436-447... 

Many aspects of substitution, its conditions and effects already described in existing subject literature were confirmed in the course of work on the case studies, but this was mostly only in certain cases and without any systematic framework for interpretation. This includes the enforcement deficit for application-related regulations in small and medium-sized enterprises, the obstractive behaviour of powerful associations or the trend towards more public attention with regard to substances in consumer products - in comparison with commercially used preparations or substances. 

A useful summary of levels and trends in mine and smelter production, and of developments in refined metal consumption is provided by the industry metal balance. The balance can be drawn up for particular areas or regional markets, but most commonly covers the Western World, see Table 2.2. It pulls together the various elements of Western World lead supply and demand (including, separately, net trade with the Eastern Bloc in concentrates and refined metal), and focuses attention on the overall balance between them, with metal surpluses or deficits expressed in terms of an apparent change in stocks over a given period (usually a quarter or a year). In this way, the prevailing market position can be (fairly) accurately assessed and compared with developments in price and other market indicators (like reported stocks, turnover, etc). The construction of a metal balance also often forms the basis of forecasts of future trends in supply, demand and price (see Chapter 16). 

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