title: Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children, and the prevalence is increasing. Physicians should evaluate for ADHD in children with behavioral concerns (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositionality) or poor academic progress using validated assessment tools with observers from several settings (home, school, community) and self-observation, if possible. Physicians who inherit a patient with a previous ADHD diagnosis should review the diagnostic process, and current symptoms and treatment needs. Coexisting conditions (e.g., anxiety, learning, mood, or sleep disorders) should be identified and treated. Behavioral treatments are recommended for preschool-aged children and may be helpful at older ages. Effective behavioral therapies include parent training, classroom management, and peer interventions. Medications are recommended as first-line therapy for older children. Psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, are most effective for the treatment of core ADHD symptoms and have generally acceptable adverse effect profiles. There are fewer supporting studies for atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, and they are less effective than the psychostimulants. Height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, symptoms, mood, and treatment adherence should be recorded at follow-up visits.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Felt
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Biermann
authors.affiliation: State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Christner
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Param
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kochhar
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Richard Van
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants