Nonstimulant medications in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Beyond methylphenidate: nonstimulant medications for youth with ADHD

OBJECTIVE

This review was conducted to provide information on nonstimulant medications used to treat ADHD.

METHOD

Previous investigations on several groups of nonstimulant medications were reviewed, and a discussion of antidepressants, antihypertensives, atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and cholinergic agents is included.

RESULTS

The results of this review provide information on several viable options of treatment in situations in which the use of a stimulant would be inappropriate or in situations in which stimulants have provided limited effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Despite their viability as alternatives, each type of medication has certain limitations, side effects, and varying amounts of research available to substantiate its use for the treatment of ADHD. These medications offer several potentially successful options to those who fail to respond to stimulants or to those who find the side effects of stimulants bothersome.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a neurodevelopmental approach

TOPIC

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is frequently overdiagnosed when a complete evaluation by a knowledgeable clinician is not undertaken. Because of the recent negative media campaign regarding psychostimulant medication, it becomes more imperative that a thorough and accurate evaluation be completed before starting children and adolescents on psychostimulant medications.

PURPOSE

To describe the neurodevelopmental perspective in the assessment and treatment of ADHD.

SOURCES

Published literature and clinical experience.

CONCLUSION

It is useful in practice to conceptualize the developmental path of children with ADHD not as disordered but as delayed, and to build on each child's strengths. The neurodevelopmental approach provides the child psychiatric nurse a child-focused framework for assessment and development of individualized interventions.