ADHD Treatment: Medications
- CHADD ADHD Quick Facts: Medications in Treatment
- CDC ADHD Treatment
- Healthy Children ADHD Medications
- ADHD Medication Guide
When deciding to start medications, prescribers should take into account the patient’s age, comorbidities, and resources available to caregivers. A combined approach utilizing evidence-based behavioral and educational interventions in addition to medication therapy is recommended for school-aged children and adolescents. For younger children, parent behavior training is considered the primary treatment.
Potential side effects of medication therapy should be discussed with patients and families prior to initiation. Reporting of side effects should be encouraged and solicited at regular intervals. Education on anticipated course of therapy including dose titration and follow-up appointments should also be communicated.
References
Barbaresi, W. J., Campbell, L., Diekroger, E. A., Froehlich, T. E., Liu, Y. H., O'Malley, E., Pelham, W. E., Jr., Power, T. J., Zinner, S. H., & Chan, E. (2020). Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr, 41 Suppl 2S, S35-s57. https://doi.org/10.1097/dbp.0000000000000770
These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.