title: [Alternative agents used in ADHD].
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is, with a prevalence of 2% to 6%, one of the most common neurobehavioral disorder affecting children and adolescents, persisting into adulthood. Comorbidity and psychosocial circumstances enter into the choice of intervention strategies. Several agents have been demonstrated effective in treating individuals with ADHD. Direct or indirect attenuation of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission appears closely related to both the stimulant and nonstimulant medications efficacious in ADHD. However, important differences concerning efficacy and side effects exist both between and with the specific classes of agents like neuroleptics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, alpha-agonists, beta-blockers, buspiron, l-dopa, melatonin, pycnogenol, zinc, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and homeopathy. Elucidating the various mechanisms of action of ADHD medications may lead to better choices in matching potential responses to the characteristics of individuals. We review the purported mechanism of action and available evidence for selected complementary and alternative medicine therapies for ADHD in childhood and adolescence.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Neurologie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie im Kindes- und Jugendalter der Universität Rostock, Rostock, Germany. haessler@med.uni-rostock.de
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hässler
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dück
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buchmann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D012701:Serotonin; D009638:Norepinephrine