Stimulant Medications and the Treatment of Children with ADHD

Abstract

Discusses the class of drugs labeled as stimulants, the neural and chemical basis of their psychoactive properties, and their pharmacologic characteristics with respect to treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The clinical use of 3 primary stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamine, and pemoline) are described, including the typical clinical titration methods, dose-related effects on behavior and cognition, and the time course of available (approved and marketed) preparations of these drugs. Significant historical events that have affected the literature on stimulant pharmacotherapy are presented. A synthesis of the literature is also provided, based on a "review of reviews" conducted for the US Department of Education. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)