From the Guidelines
Treatment options for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) include both medication and non-medication approaches, with stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications being first-line treatments, and non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine as alternatives, alongside behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. The medication options for ADD include:
- Stimulants:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) at doses ranging from 5-60mg daily
- Amphetamine-based medications (Adderall, Vyvanse) at 5-70mg daily, adjusted based on response and side effects 1
- Non-stimulants:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) at 40-100mg daily
- Guanfacine (Intuniv) at 1-4mg daily
- Clonidine, with a transdermal patch available, and twice daily dosing necessary 1 These medications work by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving attention and executive function. Non-medication approaches are equally important and include:
- Behavioral therapy:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Organizational skills training
- Parent training
- Lifestyle modifications:
- Educational accommodations
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Consistent routines
- Mindfulness practices
- Reducing distractions in work environments Treatment is typically long-term, with medication adjustments as needed, and works best when combining medication with behavioral strategies tailored to individual needs and symptoms 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Atomoxetine capsules are indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include other measures (psychological, educational, social) for patients with this syndrome. Appropriate educational placement is essential in children and adolescents with this diagnosis and psychosocial intervention is often helpful When remedial measures alone are insufficient, the decision to prescribe drug treatment medication will depend upon the physician’s assessment of the chronicity and severity of the patient’s symptoms.
The treatment options for ADHD include:
- Pharmacological treatment: Atomoxetine capsules
- Psychological measures
- Educational measures
- Social measures
- Psychosocial intervention
- Appropriate educational placement 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
The following treatment options are available for ADHD:
- Pharmacological interventions:
- Non-pharmacological interventions:
- Combination therapies: combining stimulants or non-stimulants with behavioral therapies or physical activity 3, 4, 7
Efficacy of Treatment Options
The efficacy of these treatment options varies:
- Stimulants: effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adults 3, 4, 5, 6
- Non-stimulants: effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adults, but with varying degrees of efficacy 4
- Behavioral therapies: effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, but with limited evidence 3, 7
- Physical activity: effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving social impairment in children 7
Safety and Adverse Effects
The safety and adverse effects of these treatment options also vary:
- Stimulants: associated with mild and short-term side effects, such as insomnia and appetite suppression 3, 5
- Non-stimulants: associated with varying degrees of adverse effects, such as nausea and headache 4
- Behavioral therapies: generally considered safe, but with limited evidence 3, 7
- Physical activity: generally considered safe, but with limited evidence 7