The pathophysiology, medical management, and dental implications of children and young adults having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

J Calif Dent Assoc. 2003 Sep;31(9):669-78.

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered to be the most common neurobehavioral disorder among school-aged children. Children who have ADHD exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are extreme for their age. These symptoms adversely affect academic performance, vocational success, and social-emotional development. The disorder is usually treated with stimulant medications, but on occasion antidepressants and certain antihypertensive agents are used. Dentists caring for individuals with ADHD must be familiar with the manifestations of the disease and its associated features so they can garner the maximum level of cooperation from the patient. They must also be familiar with the drugs used to treat the disorder because many of these pharmaceuticals cause adverse orofacial and systemic reactions and may interact with dental therapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / drug therapy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / physiopathology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Dental Care for Chronically Ill*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mouth Diseases / chemically induced

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants