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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 1/2007

01-01-2007 | Therapy in Practice

Pharmacological Management of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents

Special Considerations

Author: Prof. Philip Hazell

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Approximately one-half of children medicated for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will continue to experience sufficient impairment during adolescence to warrant the continuation of their treatment; a smaller number of people with ADHD may require treatment for the first time during adolescence.The academic and social demands of adolescence can exaggerate the impairment caused by attentional problems, as adolescents, more so than children, have activities in the afternoon and evening that will tax their attentional abilities.
Stimulant and nonstimulant medications are likely to be as effective for adolescent patients as they are for younger children, provided treatment adherence is satisfactory. Long-acting medications are preferred over immediate-release compounds as they provide better coverage of symptoms throughout the day. Patterns of comorbidity with ADHD change from childhood to adolescence and may require a shift in treatment strategy. The choice of time to discontinue treatment should be a decision shared by the clinician and the patient. A negotiated trial of time off treatment followed by a review of the patient’s symptoms can avert premature discontinuation of treatment.
Footnotes
1
The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
 
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Metadata
Title
Pharmacological Management of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents
Special Considerations
Author
Prof. Philip Hazell
Publication date
01-01-2007
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 1/2007
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200721010-00004

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