Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children With Medical Comorbidities

der (ADHD) in children was analyzed in several epidemiologic studies and estimated to be approximately 7%. Follow-up studies estimate that 60% to 85% of these children will meetADHD criteria as teenagers. Several algorithms guide treatment of ADHD, including the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practice Parameters for ADHD and the Texas Department of Health Services MedicationAlgorithm Project. Medications, including D,L-methylphenidate (MPH), dextroamphetamine, mixed amphetamine salts, and atomoxetine are FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and considered first-line treatments. In several studies, these agents were very effective in treating symptoms ofADHD,with clinical response rates of up to 70% versus 4% to 30% with placebo. The effect size of stimulant treatment relative to placebo is 1.0. MPH and amphetamine preparations were compared and found equal in efficacy. Long-acting formulations are equal in efficacy to immediaterelease preparations and have the advantage of increasing adherence with once-daily dosing. Dosage may be titrated to After participating in this activity, the psychiatrist should be better able to: