Editorial Policy

Editorial policy graphic showing a clipboard with the words “Editorial Policy” and a checklist for accuracy, research, medical review and updates beside a stethoscope and books.

ADHDCore is committed to publishing accurate, evidence-based, transparent and clearly sourced health information. This website covers ADHD, neurodevelopment, mental health, executive functioning, lived experience, and emerging research. Because these are high-stakes topics, content is created and reviewed according to the standards below.

Purpose of the Website

The purpose of ADHDCore is to make complex information about ADHD and related topics more understandable, rigorous and useful without oversimplifying the evidence.

The website aims to:

  • explain current scientific understanding in plain but precise language
  • distinguish clearly between established evidence, early research and opinion
  • help readers understand mechanisms, uncertainty and practical implications
  • reduce misinformation and unsupported claims

ADHDCore does not publish sensationalized, misleading or certainty-based health content.

How Content Is Created

Articles are developed through one or more of the following:

  • review of peer-reviewed research papers
  • analysis of clinical guidelines and consensus statements
  • review of public health, psychiatric, neurological and psychological literature
  • synthesis of lived-experience-informed observations when explicitly identified as such

Priority is given to:

  • systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • randomized controlled trials
  • major clinical guidelines
  • high-quality cohort and longitudinal studies
  • evidence from recognized academic journals and institutions

When evidence is weak, conflicting or preliminary, that is stated explicitly.

Sources We Use

ADHDCore prioritizes sources from:

  • PubMed-indexed journals
  • major medical journals
  • universities and academic institutions
  • government and public health agencies
  • professional organizations and consensus guidelines

Examples include:

  • World Health Organization
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • American Psychiatric Association

We avoid relying on:

  • unsourced claims
  • anecdotal social media content presented as evidence
  • commercially motivated health claims without supporting data
  • outdated or superseded guidance

Research Interpretation

ADHDCore distinguishes between:

  • statistical significance and clinical significance
  • correlation and causation
  • association and mechanism
  • individual experiences and population-level evidence

If a study has limitations such as:

  • small sample size
  • high risk of bias
  • short follow-up
  • lack of replication
  • poor generalizability

those limitations are described directly in the article.

No single study is presented as definitive proof.

Medical Review and Expertise

Content on ADHDCore is written and/or reviewed by Dr. Purnoor Kaur, Assistant Professor in Community Medicine and Public Health with training in evidence appraisal, epidemiology and health communication.

Additional review may include:

  • checking factual accuracy
  • verifying references
  • ensuring that recommendations remain within the boundary of educational information rather than individualized medical advice

Where content includes lived experience, opinion or interpretation, it is labelled clearly so it is not confused with evidence-based guidance.

Updating Content

Medical knowledge changes. ADHDCore reviews and updates articles when:

  • new research materially changes the understanding of a topic
  • clinical guidelines are updated
  • inaccuracies are identified
  • important new evidence emerges

Where possible, pages should include:

  • original publication date
  • last reviewed date
  • last updated date

Corrections Policy

If an error is identified:

  • factual inaccuracies are corrected as soon as reasonably possible
  • substantial corrections may be noted at the bottom of the page
  • outdated information may be revised or removed

Readers may report errors through the contact page.

News and Current Events

ADHDCore may also cover current events relevant to ADHD and mental health, including medication shortages, major policy changes, public controversies, discrimination, stigma, workplace or school accommodations, and public disclosures by well-known individuals.

Examples may include shortages of Adderall, changes in prescribing policy, media reporting about ADHD, or a public figure discussing their diagnosis.

These articles are intended to explain the event, place it in clinical and social context, distinguish fact from speculation, and identify what is known versus uncertain. Public disclosures or media stories are not treated as proof of broader scientific conclusions. Commentary is based on available evidence, reporting from reliable sources, and, where relevant, the experiences of people affected by ADHD and discrimination.

Independence and Conflicts of Interest

ADHDCore aims to maintain editorial independence.

  • Content is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors or affiliate relationships.
  • Any sponsorship, affiliate link or commercial relationship will be disclosed clearly.
  • Recommendations are based on evidence and relevance, not financial incentives.

Artificial Intelligence and Writing Tools

ADHDCore may use AI-assisted tools for drafting, organization or editing. However:

  • all medical and scientific claims are checked against original sources
  • references are manually verified
  • no article is published without human review and editorial oversight

AI-generated text is not treated as a source of medical truth.

What ADHDCore Does Not Do

ADHDCore does not:

  • provide individualized diagnosis or treatment
  • replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional
  • encourage stopping or starting medication without medical supervision
  • make unsupported claims, miracle-cure claims or absolute promises

For individualized care, readers should consult an appropriately qualified clinician.