The efficacy, safety, and practicality of treatments for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2000 Dec;3(4):243-67. doi: 10.1023/a:1026477121224.

Abstract

Studies examining interventions for adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were reviewed to evaluate their efficacy. These efficacy findings were supplemented with a preliminary system for judging safety and practicality. Results suggest that the stimulant drug methylphenidate (MPH) is safe and well-established empirically, but has some problems with inconvenience and noncompliance. Preliminary research supports the efficacy, safety, and practicality of some psychotherapeutic interventions, including behavioral classroom interventions, note-taking training, and family therapy. Treatment with tricyclic antidepressants was judged to have minimal empirical support and debatable safety. Very little is known about long-term effectiveness of treatments, long-term compliance, or multimodal treatments for adolescents such as stimulants plus behavior therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants