title: Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment and cardiovascular implications.
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder afflicting adults worldwide. This article is an update on the evidence supporting medications for adult ADHD, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular implications. Relevant clinical literature was sought using PubMed searches, with an emphasis on new reports from April 2009 to April 2011. This review describes the efficacy and general tolerability of stimulant and nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD as seen in contemporary clinical trials. Cardiovascular response to medications for ADHD is primarily seen in heart rate and blood pressure elevations, while less is known about the etiology of rare cardiovascular events or long-term sequelae. Further research is indicated to delineate clinical and functional outcomes for adults with ADHD, as well as long-term safety of medication treatment.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. phammerness@partners.org
authors.forename: Paul G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Hammerness
authors.forename: Craig B H
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Surman
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chilton
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants