Drug treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Attention deficit-hiperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become almost the major pathology in the field of child and adolescent clinical Psychiatry because of its prevalence and biographical impact. Although a multidimensional treatment is required, pharmacologic therapy represents the basic resource. The primary alternative are psychostimulants, shown as effective and well tolerated. Antidepressants and alpha adrenergic agonists are prescribed as a second option of treatment, suitable when stimulants do not work or in special clinical circumstances. Recent publications about atomoxetine, as a new medicament specifically developed for ADH, have assessed its safety and effectiveness. Investigation of pharmacological treatment of ADH keeps on, lately focused in different neurochemical mechanisms.