Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment and cardiovascular implications

Paul G Hammerness1, Craig B H Surman, Ashley Chilton

  • 1Clinical and Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. phammerness@partners.org

Insights

This review examines medications for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), focusing on cardiovascular effects. Evidence supports stimulant and nonstimulant ADHD treatments, but long-term safety requires more research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder affecting adults globally.
  • Managing adult ADHD requires understanding current treatment options and their implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review of evidence for medications used in adult ADHD treatment.
  • To specifically emphasize the cardiovascular implications associated with these ADHD medications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed for clinical studies on adult ADHD medications.
  • Focus on reports published between April 2009 and April 2011.
  • Review of efficacy, tolerability, and cardiovascular responses.

Main Results:

  • Stimulant and nonstimulant medications demonstrate efficacy and general tolerability in adult ADHD.
  • Cardiovascular responses commonly include elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Etiology and long-term sequelae of rare cardiovascular events remain unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Current medications offer viable treatment options for adult ADHD.
  • Further research is necessary to fully understand long-term safety and functional outcomes.
  • Continued investigation into rare cardiovascular events is warranted.

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