[What prescription for psychostimulants in children?]

What prescription for psychostimulants in children? The Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a frequent disorder in children and adolescents. The diagnosis is clinical with the input of several informants (child, family, teachers…). ADHD is a risk factor for academic difficulties, school dropout, social isolation, injury, oppositional behaviour. In school-age children and adolescents having moderate to high or persistent impairment despite psycho-educational support and environmental modification, the first-line treatment is methylphenidate. Group or individual cognitive behavioural therapy for parents and/or children and adolescents is recommended for co-occurring disorders and persistent impairment. In France, the initiation of methylphenidate requires an annual hospital prescription by a paediatrician or psychiatrist, and a regular medical supervision (weight, heart rate, blood pressure…). At least once a year, the indication of methyphenidate needs to be re-evaluated and confirmed at the hospital. In case of lack of efficiency and/or poor tolerance, therapeutic alternatives including non-psychostimulants should be considered.