title: Pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults.
abstract: With increased awareness that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can persist beyond childhood, pharmacological treatment options for adults have expanded. Short-acting stimulants continue to be the first-line approach, demonstrating clinical efficacy and few adverse events in well-controlled trials, with long-acting stimulants also showing promise. Atomoxetine has also been reported to improve ADHD symptoms and associated dysfunction, although longer-term, head-to-head studies with stimulants are needed. Several antidepressants (e.g., desipramine and buproprion) appear to be effective in the treatment of adult ADHD, but to a lesser extent than stimulants. Data are limited in evaluating the impact of combining pharmacological treatments for ADHD and comorbid conditions. This paper describes the safety and efficacy of medications for treating the core symptoms, psychosocial features and cognitive dysfunctions associated with adult ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric Out-patient Services, Peter Lougheed Centre, Room 1929, 3500--26th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T1Y 6J4, Canada. Joshua.Slatkoff@CalgaryHealthRegion.ca
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Slatkoff
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Greenfield
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011437:Propylamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D003891:Desipramine