First in a new series on economic issues in the context of health care
policy, this book examines Britain's highly acclaimed approach to
cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and its international potential. The
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been
regarded as a role model for the implementation of CEA, and is being
closely watched by health care policy makers throughout Europe, and in
the United States. This volume dissects the robustness of the agency's
technology appraisal processes as NICE evaluates innovative methods for
diagnosis and intervention. Given the unique features of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- starting with it
being diagnosed mainly in children and adolescents, its high comorbidity
with other psychiatric conditions, and its considerable economic impact
-- the disorder is a perfect focal point for discussion.