Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents.
Author(s): Childress AC, Berry SA.
Affiliation(s): Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Inc., Las Vegas, NV 89128, USA.
drann87@aol.com
Publication date & source: 2012, Drugs. , 72(3):309-25
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioural
disorder in children and adolescents, consisting of developmentally inappropriate
levels of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. The majority of
children with ADHD will continue to experience significant ADHD symptoms as
teens. ADHD in adolescents can result in significant functional impairment and
poorer quality of life. Children and adolescents with ADHD are at higher risk of
developing other psychiatric illnesses such as mood, conduct and substance abuse
disorders. Stimulants (amphetamines and methylphenidates) and nonstimulants
(atomoxetine, guanfacine extended-release (XR) and clonidine XR) have been found
to be effective and are approved by the US FDA for the treatment of ADHD in
adolescents in the US. Of the agents approved in the US, only guanfacine XR and
clonidine XR are not approved in any other countries. There is growing evidence
that treatment of ADHD with stimulants reduces the risk of development of other
psychiatric co-morbidities, including substance abuse disorders. To date, all
FDA-approved stimulants and nonstimulants that have been adequately studied have
been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating ADHD in both children and
adolescents. Therefore, clinical decisions used in selecting pharmacotherapy to
treat ADHD in children aged 6-12 years can be applied in the adolescent
population.
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