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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 5 2008
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD are often easily distracted and may also be hyperactive or impulsive. This can lead to learning difficulties as well as behavioural and emotional problems. Although many young children have a limited attention span and sometimes do things without thinking, only a few of these children actually have ADHD. It is most common in school age children but sometimes continues into adolescence and adulthood.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is dexamphetamine or methylphenidate. These medicines work best when they are given in conjunction with education and counselling.
Some forms of these medicines are slow-acting and only need to be taken once a day so the child does not need to take a tablet while at school. At the start of treatment, the child should be monitored closely by a doctor to make sure the medication is working and in case there are any side effects.
