Pharmacotherapy in children and adolescents with ADHD

Abstract

The clinical guidelines for hyperkinetic disorder in children and adolescents include, besides medication, nonpharmaceutical therapies such as psychological interventions and educational changes. The diagnosis should be made in accordance with DSM-IV criteria or the guidelines in ICD-10 and should be based on a full history and evaluation of the patient. Pharmacotherapy is not indicated for all children with this syndrome, and the decision to use any of the drugs must be based on a thorough assessment of the severity, impact, and developmental appropriateness of the child's symptoms. To date, stimulants and atomoxetine remain the preferred means of treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacologically. Meanwhile, new drugs and drug preparations have been approved, the effects of which last through a substantial part of the day. In addition, atomoxetine as a nonstimulant has been licensed and is used often. However, all of these new drugs are associated with higher costs, and choosing among them can be difficult. This article provides an overview of the different pharmacological treatment options.