The role of parental consent in adolescent substance use research.

Purpose: The objective of our study was to assess the effects of requiring parental consent upon study participation and self-reported substance-related problems among 14-18-year-olds.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of combined data from two similar studies of adolescent substance use that recruited participants from the same adolescent clinic at Children's Hospital Boston. Study 1 waived parental consent, whereas Study 2 required parental consent.

Old and new controversies in the alternative treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become widespread in both referral and primary care populations. We review the purported mechanism of action and available evidence for selected CAM therapies for ADHD. Enduring controversies, such as elimination of artificial food additives, colors, and/or preservatives; the effect of sugar on behavior in children; and the use of EEG biofeedback, have been well studied but lack support as effective sole treatments for ADHD.