Assessment and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: part 2

Pediatric Annals
|April 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This article details best practices for treating childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Successful ADHD management involves education, medication, behavioral therapy, and managing other conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurobehavioral disorder in children.
  • Part 1 of this article covered the primary care assessment of ADHD.
  • Part 2 addresses evidence-based treatment guidelines following diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline best practice guidelines for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
  • To emphasize a multicomponent treatment approach for effective ADHD management.
  • To highlight the role of primary care physicians in the long-term management of ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current best practice guidelines for ADHD treatment.
  • Integration of information on pharmacotherapy (e.g., stimulants) and behavioral interventions.
  • Consideration of patient and family psychoeducation and management of comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Main Results:

  • Successful ADHD treatment typically requires a comprehensive, multicomponent strategy.
  • Key components include psychoeducation, FDA-approved medications (stimulants), behavioral interventions, and management of comorbidities.
  • ADHD is a chronic condition necessitating ongoing reassessment and treatment adjustments by primary care physicians.

Conclusions:

  • A multicomponent approach is essential for effective ADHD treatment in children.
  • Primary care physicians play a crucial role in the sustained management of ADHD.
  • Long-term monitoring and adaptation of treatment plans are vital for children with ADHD.

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
749
Drug Therapy01:28

Drug Therapy

The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
416
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.9K
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids01:24

CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids

CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
1.4K
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders01:24

Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders

Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
947