ABSTRACT
One of the most fundamental characteristics of science is objectivity. The historical presentation of ADHD in Chapter I introduced the theme that progress has not been linear. Much of this may be due to the influence of subjective trends at different times in history. These influences could be subtle, such as the cultivation of research generated by the assumptions of the time (e.g., cognitive revolution, emphasis on environmental factors, etc.). They could also be quite overt, as research funding dictates which proposals are accepted and which are not. Constant self-reflective vigilance is perhaps the only guard against being swept away with the subjective winds of the time. It may also be advantageous to turn against the trend of the time. For instance, Tom Hartmann's normative perspective (see Chapter 2) of ADHD, although highly questionable, provides fertile ground for some interesting hypotheses that have yet to be tested. At present, it may be easier to receive research funds from a pharmaceutical company to run a study that measures the short-term effects of a particular drug rather than it is to receive funds to conduct a more global cross-cultural study. The macroperspective of ADHD may have been neglected, and it would be interesting to see if future endeavors will take on this challenge.
