'Pay attention' to stimulants in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder when other psychiatric disorders exist

Comorbid psychiatric conditions are common in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants are widely used when comorbid oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder is present, although additional therapy may be required to control aggressive outbursts. For children with ADHD/ anxiety, stimulant monotherapy is generally tried before adding a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Antidepressants and/or Stimulants are used in patients with ADHD plus a major depressive disorder. ADHD patients with acute mania are treated with a mood stabiliser and, if necessary, with a stimulant after manic symptoms subside. Stimulants are generally first-line treatment in ADHD/tic disorders. Stimulants have few clinically significant drug interactions. Treatment compliance is generally poor, but may be improved with simplified treatment regimens and better education.