Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a review for practitioners

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in children and adolescents. ADHD affects multiple aspects of an individual's life and functioning in family, social, and academic realms. Effective management of ADHD is necessary for children and adolescents and may include non-pharmacologic treatments, pharmacologic therapy including use of stimulant and non-stimulant medications, or a combination of the different treatment modalities. In general, medications used to treat ADHD are safe and effective. Medical practitioners can follow a step-wise approach in the selection and adjustment of pharmacologic agents to treat ADHD, while working closely with families, caregivers, and other medical and educational professionals to form appropriate treatment plans. This article reviews practical aspects of pharmacological treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.