Amfetamine and methylphenidate medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: complementary treatment options

Paul Hodgkins, Monica Shaw, David Coghill, Lily Hechtman, David Coghill

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    116 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among school-aged children. It is highly symptomatic and associated with significant impairment. This review examines the role of stimulant medications in the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. Published clinical studies that compared methylphenidate- and amfetamine-based stimulants in children and adolescents with ADHD support the therapeutic utility of stimulant treatments, and suggest robust efficacy and acceptable safety outcomes in groups treated with either stimulant. Evidence-based guidelines agree that each patient with ADHD is unique and individual treatment strategies that incorporate both drug and non-drug treatment options should be sought. In seeking to optimize individual response and outcomes to stimulant therapy, important considerations include the selection of stimulant class, the choice of long- or short-acting stimulant formulations, addressing effectively any emergent adverse effects and strategies aimed at enhancing adherence to dosing regimen and persistence on therapy.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)477-492
    Number of pages16
    JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
    Volume21
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

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