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.
Abstract:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder afflicting adults worldwide. This article is an update on the evidence supporting medications for adult ADHD, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular implications. Relevant clinical literature was sought using PubMed searches, with an emphasis on new reports from April 2009 to April 2011. This review describes the efficacy and general tolerability of stimulant and nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD as seen in contemporary clinical trials. Cardiovascular response to medications for ADHD is primarily seen in heart rate and blood pressure elevations, while less is known about the etiology of rare cardiovascular events or long-term sequelae. Further research is indicated to delineate clinical and functional outcomes for adults with ADHD, as well as long-term safety of medication treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias


