A review of the pharmacotherapy of adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
- 1 November 2001
- journal article
- review article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Attention Disorders
- Vol. 5 (4), 189-202
- https://doi.org/10.1177/108705470100500401
Abstract
Objective: Despite the increasing recognition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, the use of pharmacotherapeutics remains less established.Methods: A systematic review of the literature identified 15 studies (N = 435 subjects) of stimulants, and 22 studies of non- stimulant medications (N = 421 subjects) including antidepressants, antihypertensives, amino acids, and wake-promoting agents for the treatment of ADHD in adults.Results: Studies with stimulants and antidepressants demonstrated significant short-term improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo in adults. Methylphenidate (MPH) and amphetamine had an immediate onset of action whereas the ADHD response to pemoline and antidepressants appeared delayed. The response to amphetamine and MPH appears to be dose-dependent. Controlled data on nicotonic and noradrenergic compounds appear promising. There was considerable variability In diagnostic criteria, dosing parameters, and response rates between the various studies.Conclusions: Under controlled conditions, the aggregate literature shows that the stimulants and noradrenergic antidepressants had a clinically and statistically significant beneficial effect on treating ADHD in adults.Keywords
This publication has 68 references indexed in Scilit:
- Use of Self-Ratings in the Assessment of Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in AdultsAmerican Journal of Psychiatry, 2000
- Pemoline-associated hepatic failure: A critical analysis of the literaturePediatric Neurology, 1997
- Cigarette smoking in adult patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorderJournal of Substance Abuse, 1995
- Fluoxetine and Methylphenidate in Combination for Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder and Comorbid Depressive DisorderJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 1993
- Differential effects of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine on the motor activity level of hyperactive childrenNeuropsychopharmacology, 1989
- Attention Deficit Disorder and Methylphenidate: Group and Single-Subject Analyses of Dose Effects on Attention in Clinic and Classroom SettingsJournal of Clinical Child Psychology, 1987
- Propranolol for Adults with Temper Outbursts and Residual Attention Deficit DisorderJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 1986
- Attention Deficit Disorders in AdultsClinical Neuropharmacology, 1985
- Smoking, nicotine and human performancePharmacology & Therapeutics, 1983
- Release of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from rat striatal slices following activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptorsGeneral Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 1983