Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children. ADHD may disable the patient throughout life. Diagnosis of ADHD is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ADHD is a costly health problem, and various drugs, including psychostimulants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), bupropion, pemoline, clonidine, and atomoxetine, have been used to treat it. Atomoxetine and psychostimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for pediatric ADHD with similar efficacy. Serious adverse events with atomoxetine have been reported. A mild psychostimulant agent, modafinil, is not approved by the US FDA to treat ADHD, but it is prescribed off-label for this condition. Concurrent psychiatric illnesses like insomnia, tics, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and aggression require additional consideration to manage a person with ADHD.