Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy has proven efficacy for short-term improvement
in ADHD symptoms and is consequently recommended
as part of a multimodal treatment approach for school age
children displaying moderate to severe levels of impairment
(NICE 2008). The stimulant methylphenidate is the most commonly
prescribed medication for ADHD (Buitelaar & Medori
2010) and works by increasing extracellular levels of dopamine
by blocking its reuptake into the presynaptic neuron.
Lisdexamphatamine dimesylate (LDX), is an alternative longacting
stimulant option licensed for treatment in the UK after
proven efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials (Coghill et al.
2013a). LDX could be considered when little clinical benefit is
observed from the maximum tolerable doses of methylphenidate.
Atomoxetine offers an alternative non-stimulant option
and works by increasing extracellular levels of noradrenaline.
Generally, head to head trials suggest that methylphenidate is
more efficacious than atomoxetine, particularly long-acting
formulations (Hanwella et al. 2011). Atomoxetine is therefore
recommended for children who are unresponsive to methylphenidate,
experience intolerable side-effects or when clinicians
have concerns about inappropriate use of stimulants.