A diagnosis of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in children is considered when certain symptomatic criteria are met under guidelines provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. A child is diagnosed with ADHD when she exhibits regular, repetitive behaviors of hyperactivity or inactivity over a specified length of time. The treatment and management of ADHD in children consists of a multimodal approach, combining behavioral therapy and medications. The best drugs currently used for ADHD in kids can be divided into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Ritalin
A medication prescribed frequently by doctors for treating ADHD in children is methylphenidate (Ritalin). As of early 2010, it was the most common psychotropic prescription medication available on the market. An article in the October 2008 "International Journal on Drug Policy" reported that many psychiatrists and health care professionals have claimed that the drug is effective in managing ADHD in kids and that is it relatively safe when given in the recommended dosage. However, Ritalin or amphetamines possess similar properties to drugs like cocaine and the potential for similar adverse effects. Other drugs prescribed in this family of medication include Daytrana (a patch), Metadate, Focalin and Concerta.
Amphetamine
Another medicine used to treat ADHD in kids is Adderall, which belongs to the central nervous system stimulant class of drugs. Adderall works to prevent the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinehrine into the neurons (brain cells), thereby allowing them to remain in the child's system longer. Adderall is a short-acting drug, so it is available in an extended delivery tablet (XR) for kids. The recommended initial dosage for children under age 6 with ADHD is 10 mg per day.
Most stimulant drugs have the potential for abuse and developing an addiction to the medication. An article published in the January 2003 journal "Pediatrics" reported that the use of stimulant drugs to treat ADHD in kids might increase the risk of abuse and addictions. Similar stimulant drugs in this class of medications are Vyvanse and Dexedrine.
Non-Stimulants
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Strattera for use to treat childhood ADHD in 2005. Strattera is a non-stimulant drug and, therefore, has fewer central nervous system side effects. An article published in the September 2007 issue of the French journal "Encephale" reported that studies done in several randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed Strattera to work effectively in the management and treatment of ADHD in kids.
References
- "International Journal on Drug Policy"; Pleasure and discipline in the uses of Ritalin; Helen Keane; October 2008
- "Pediatrics"; Does Stimulant Therapy of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Beget Later Substance Abuse?; Timothy E. Wilens, M.D., et al; January 2003
- "Encephale"; Atomoxetine (Strattera), an alternative in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children; C. Gaillez, F. Sorbara, E. Perrin; September 2007
