Objective: To summarize the literature investigating changes in emotional expression (EE) as a function of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of ADHD and to differentiate emotional effects related to ADHD pharmacotherapy from emotional effects related to ADHD as a disorder. Method: English language articles published from January 1, 1988, through…

The article examines various studies of ADHD and finds that individuals both with and without ADHD misuse stimulant medications, therefore suggesting careful monitoring of high-risk individuals.

Objective: This review was conducted to provide information on nonstimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Method: Previous investigations on several groups of nonstimulant medications were reviewed, and a discussion of antidepressants, antihypertensives, atypical antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and cholinergic agents is included. Results: The…

Objective: A review of amphetamine treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was conducted, to obtain information on the long-term neurological consequences of this therapy. Method: Several databases were accessed for research articles on the effects of amphetamine in the brain of laboratory animals and ADHD diagnosed…

Objective: To revise and update consensus guidelines for medication treatment algorithms for childhood major depressive disorder based on new scientific evidence and expert clinical consensus when evidence is lacking. Method: A consensus conference was held January 13-14, 2005, that included academic clinicians and researchers, practicing…

Objective: This literature review describes evaluation and treatment of minority youth with ADHD. Method: A search of databases for reports of ADHD in minority children was conducted. Results: Interpretation of behavior varies among parents, as does their trust in health care providers and school personnel. Parents desire to avoid stigmatization…

This article provides a review of various psychotropic agents employed for children and adolescents with externalizing disorders. With the exception of the stimulants, clinical use of psychotropic medications for children with externalizing disorders far exceeds the available empirical literature. Further, there are insufficient data pertaining to…

There exists a strong link between ADHD and academic underachievement. Both the core behavioral symptoms of ADHD and associated executive functioning deficits likely contribute to academic impairment. Current evidence-based approaches to the treatment of ADHD (i.e., stimulant medication, clinical behavior therapy and classroom behavioral…

Reviews studies examining effects of pharmacological interventions for children with mental retardation and autism. Discusses information regarding stimulants, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antianxiety drugs, and antidepressant drugs as measured by their effects on laboratory and clinical measures of activity level, self-injurious behavior, and…

Several techniques involved in the behavioral treatment of attention deficit disorders in children are reviewed, including parent training, classroom management strategies, and social skills training. The combination of behavior therapy and stimulant medication is recommended for optimal results. (Author/DB)

A review of research regarding attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity in children covers studies involving direct observation techniques, drug treatment, drug effects on academic achievement, diet interventions, behavior modification, metacognition, and executive control; and suggests practical implications in these areas for educators and…

This brief article uses a question and answer format to review basic information about medical management of children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Questions address: characteristics of ADD; how parents and teachers can tell if a child might have ADD; types of services and programs which help these children and their families;…

The paper reviews uses and effects of psychostimulant drugs in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children. Although about 70% of ADD children treated with stimulants demonstrate short term improvements, the use of stimulants alone has not resulted in altered long-term prognosis for treated children. (Author/DB)

The efficacy of medications used to treat children with attention deficit disorders is reviewed, along with the importance of monitoring the medications' side effects. Medications reviewed include psychostimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, clonidine, and thyroid hormone. Factors to consider before recommendation of medication are listed.…

This article provides an overview of two commonly used therapies for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in children: stimulant medication treatment and training parents in child behavior management skills. The clinical issues involved in the use of each treatment, its limitations, and evidence for its efficacy are reviewed. (Author/JDD)