Evidence base for the use of stimulant medication in preschool children with ADHD

Increasingly, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being recognized as a valid disorder in preschool-aged children. There are only limited data available, however, to provide useful guidelines for the pharmacological management of this impairing condition in this age range. This article (1) reviews the available studies on stimulant treatment in preschoolers with ADHD; (2) provides an overview of the recently completed National Institute of Mental Health-funded Preschool ADHD Treatment Study (PATS); (3) highlights special considerations in conducting psychopharmacological research in this age range; and (4) provides clinical guidelines for managing the ADHD in preschoolers on the basis of available evidence. ©2006Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Duke Scholars

Author Scott Haden Kollins Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...