The Texas Children's Medication Algorithm Project: Report of the Texas Consensus Conference Panel on Medication Treatment of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Part II: Tactics. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Expert consensus methodology was used to develop a medication treatment algorithm for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The algorithm broadly outlined the choice of medication for ADHD and some of its most common comorbid conditions. Specific tactical recommendations were developed with regard to medication dosage, assessment of drug response, management of side effects, and long-term medication management.


METHODS
The consensus conference of academic clinicians and researchers, practicing clinicians, administrators, consumers, and families developed evidence-based tactics for the pharmacotherapy of childhood ADHD and its common comorbid disorders. The panel discussed specifics of treatment of ADHD and its comorbid conditions with stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, alpha-agonists, and (when appropriate) antipsychotics.


RESULTS
Specific tactics for the use of each of the above agents are outlined. The tactics are designed to be practical for implementation in the public mental health sector, but they may have utility in many practice settings, including the private practice environment.


CONCLUSIONS
Tactics for psychopharmacological management of ADHD can be developed with consensus.
Pliszka
S R
SR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA. Pliszka@uthsscsa.edu
Greenhill
L L
LL
Crismon
M L
ML
Sedillo
A
A
Carlson
C
C
Conners
C K
CK
McCracken
J T
JT
Swanson
J M
JM
Hughes
C W
CW
Llana
M E
ME
Lopez
M
M
Toprac
M G
MG
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000465:Algorithms; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013781:Texas; D014481:United States
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants