ADHD in children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Prevalence estimates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) vary according to the diagnostic criteria used and the population sampled. DSM-IV prevalence estimates among school children in the US are 3-5%, but other estimates vary from 1.7% to 16.0%. No objective test exists to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD, which remains a clinical diagnosis. Other conditions frequently co-exist with ADHD.


METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of pharmacological treatments for ADHD in children and adolescents? What are the effects of psychological treatments for ADHD in children and adolescents? What are the effects of combination treatments for ADHD in children and adolescents? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2007 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).


RESULTS
We found 34 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: atomoxetine, bupropion, clonidine, dexamfetamine sulphate, homeopathy, methylphenidate, modafinil, omega 3-polyunsaturated fatty acids, and psychological/behavioural treatment (either alone or in combination with a drug treatment).
Keen
Daphne
D
Department of Developmental Paediatrics, St George's Hospital, London, UK.
Hadijikoumi
Irene
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use
D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D003913:Dextroamphetamine