Non-stimulant treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
A variety of compounds with a common noradrenergic/dopaminergic activity have shown documented anti-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) activity. There is a substantial body of literature documenting the efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants on ADHD in over 1,000 subjects. There is an equally large database on the efficacy of the specific norepinephrlne reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine, of greater than 2,000 Individuals. In addition, the atypical antidepressant buproplon also has been documented to be effective in the treatment of ADHD in controlled clinical trials. Despite wide use, the scientific base supporting the efficacy of alpha-2, noradrenergic agonists is somewhat limited. Several lines of evidence provide preliminary support for the potential benefits of cholinergic cognitive enhandng drugs, such as anticholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil) as well as novel nicotinic analogues (ABT-418). Despite these promising results, more research is needed on alternative pharmacological treatments for the treatment of ADHD.
Spencer
T
T
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Biederman
J
J
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000819:agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D011759:Pyrrolidines; C088383:3-methyl-5-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)isoxazole; D009638:Norepinephrine