ADHD is a topic, which has been long discussed among health-care professionals, educators and patient advocates. They argue for the reason behind the onset of the condition. ADHD is linked to inattentiveness and, usually, hyperactivity.

Many people do not agree regarding treatment and parenting techniques associated with the condition. Many even are doubtful whether it exists or not. Name of the condition, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, has also been a disputable matter.

Russell Barkley, a neuropsychiatrist and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina, has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles on the condition. According to Barkley, the label ADHD underestimates the disorder. According to him, "ADHD is not simply about not being able to pay attention. Describing it as such is like calling autism a 'not looking at people' problem".

As per some practitioners and researchers, drugs are unquestionably the most effective treatment for the condition. Some others say that long-term drug use deals with symptoms only and does not offer important tools to assist people in controlling their inattentiveness. According to them, it's better to concentrate on nutrition, behavioural interventions, exercises and special accommodations at school.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD does exist and approximately 5% children in the US have the condition. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11% children in the US aged 4 to 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. Drugs are considered to be only one part of the plan to tackle the condition.