Decision 2: What medications and other approaches should I turn to as first-line treatments for ADHD?
Treating a patient with ADHD with medication is a complex and nuanced process. This 7-part guide highlights key considerations and decisions clinicians face along the way.
MEDICATION: What classes of medication have been shown to treat ADHD effectively?
A: Methylphenidate is the drug of choice approved by FDA for ADHD in children aged 6 years or older. It is the most commonly used drug… | Keep reading on Medscape »
BEST PRACTICES: How can a clinician determine a patient’s optimal dosage of the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD?
A: Many pediatricians are trained to give a certain number of milligrams per kilogram of a patient’s body mass, but there is no evidence that dose is affected by size, age, gender… | Keep reading on ADDitude »
THE MED DECISION: How should clinicians navigate parental concerns around treating children with ADHD medication?
A: While it’s important to educate parents on how medications work and why they might be used, it’s equally critical for clinicians to support… | Keep reading on ADDitude »
HEART HEALTH: Do cardiovascular risks exist for older adults taking ADHD medication?
A: A new meta-analysis concluded that “ADHD medication use was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of any CVD… | Keep reading on ADDitude »
ADHD & SUD: Does ADHD medication increase risk for future substance use problems?
A: No. What’s more, treatment with ADHD stimulant medication prior to age 9 may actually decrease a child’s likelihood of abusing drugs and alcohol later in life, according to research… | Keep reading on ADDitude »
RELATED RESOURCES
ADHD Medication Options and Benefits for Children
Expert Webinar with Walt Karniski, M.D. | Listen now on ADDitude »
Medicating Your Child with ADHD: How to Manage the Feelings of Guilt and Judgment, and Make Peace with Your Decision
Expert Webinar with Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. | Listen now on ADDitude»
7-Week Guide to Treating ADHD, from Medscape x MDedge x ADDitude:
DECISION 1: What should I consider to develop a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan?
> DECISION 2: What medications and other approaches should I turn to as first-line treatments for ADHD?
DECISION 3: How can I decide which ADHD medication to prescribe first?
DECISION 4: What challenges and side effects should I anticipate from ADHD medications, and how should I address them?
DECISION 5: How can I improve treatment outcomes for patients with ADHD and comorbid diagnoses?
DECISION 6: What dietary, behavioral, or other complementary interventions should I recommend to patients with ADHD?
DECISION 7: How should I follow up with patients with ADHD, and what should we discuss during these checkups?
