The medical management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Spoilt for choice?

Abstract

This paper focuses specifically on the medical management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the options currently available in South Africa. References are made to current thinking on the etiology of this disorder and the pharmacological principles involved in its treatment. This review will not try to address all aspects of ADHD but highlight the range of medical management options, their advantages or disadvantages, their clinical application and give some personal perspectives about the practicalities within the clinical setting. Although the treatment of co-morbidities are not systematically discussed in this paper, reference are made to specific co-morbidities where relevant.