Managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents

Prim Care. 2015 Mar;42(1):99-112. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.09.014. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder; 6.4 million children and adolescents have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. However, only 3.5 million children and adolescents are taking medication for ADHD. Adolescents with ADHD are much less willing to pursue or adhere to medication or psychosocial therapy, often because of their perceptions of side effects or perceived value of treatment, which places them at greater risk for difficulties at school, work, and home environments. Providing adolescents with increased autonomy through patient-centered approaches can increase their involvement and ability to manage their ADHD symptoms and treatment.

Keywords: Adolescents; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; DSM-V; Nonpharmacologic approaches; Nonstimulant medication; Pharmacologic approaches; Shared decision making; Stimulant medication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Consumer Health Information
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants