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n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l
of
m e dic i n e
clinical practice
Caren G. Solomon, M.D., M.P.H., Editor
An audio version
of this article is
available at
NEJM.org
838
clinical pr actice
Family, twin, and adoption studies provide evidence that ADHD has a genetic component.
Heritability has been estimated at 76%.20 Metaanalyses of candidate-gene association studies
have shown strong associations between ADHD
and several genes involved in dopamine and
serotonin pathways.20 Multiple genes, each with
a small effect, may together mediate genetic
vulnerability. Nongenetic factors (e.g., maternal
smoking during pregnancy or exposure to environmental lead or polychlorinated biphenyls)
may also interact with genetic predisposition in
the pathogenesis of ADHD.21,22
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The
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of
m e dic i n e
Table 1. Criteria for the Diagnosis of Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Hyperkinetic Disorder.
Criteria
DSM-IV*
DSM-5
ICD-10
Symptoms
Inattention
Hyperactivity and
impulsivity
Age at onset
Settings
<7 yr
<12 yr
Duration
2 settings
6 mo
<7 yr
Inattention and hyperactivity at
home and school
6 mo
6 mo
Impairment
Clinically significant impairment in Interference with functioning or devel- Clinically significant distress or imsocial, academic, or occupational
opment; specify mild, moderate, or
pairment in social, academic, or
functioning
severe functional impairment or
occupational functioning
symptoms
Subtypes
* The criteria are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).1
The criteria are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5).2
The criteria are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10).19
S t r ategie s a nd E v idence
Diagnosis
tant to document the severity of symptoms before and after the initiation of treatment (see
Table 1 in the Supplementary Appendix, available
with the full text of this article at NEJM.org).
Other medical and psychosocial conditions
with manifestations similar to those of ADHD
should be considered in the diagnostic process.
These conditions include seizure disorders,
sequelae of central nervous system trauma or
infection, sleep disorders, hyperthyroidism, physical or sexual abuse, and substance abuse. However, no medical, psychological, or neuropsychological tests are required to establish the
diagnosis unless relevant signs or symptoms are
noted in the history or physical examination.26
ADHD frequently presents with other conditions and problems, primarily learning and
language disorders, oppositional behavior and
conduct disturbance (externalizing disorders),
anxiety and depression (internalizing disorders),
and coordination difficulties.26 ADHD may also
accompany autism, the fragile X syndrome, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, Tourettes syndrome, and sleep disturbance. The diagnostic
process should identify any coexisting conditions
to modify the management plan accordingly.
The International Classification of Functioning, Dis-
clinical pr actice
nists (extended-release guanfacine and extendedrelease clonidine) have been shown to be effective
in reducing core symptoms in short-term placebocontrolled clinical trials, but they have weaker
effects than those reported with stimulants
(Table 2).36 Nonstimulant medications play an
important role in the management of ADHD
when parents do not want their children to receive stimulants, when stimulants are contraindicated or have adverse effects, or when there is
a history or high likelihood of addiction or diversion of medication for recreational use.
Management
Behavioral Therapy
841
842
6
10
hr
Duration
of Effect
At least Somnolence and sedation, trouble sleep- Hypotension, cardiac conduction abnormalities,
1012
ing, fatigue, headache, dry mouth,
seizures, chest pain, allergic reaction
constipation, nausea, abdominal pain
At least Somnolence and sedation, fatigue, insomnia, Cardiac conduction abnormalities, mood changes,
1012
nightmares, dizziness, dry mouth, sympallergic reaction
toms of upper respiratory tract infection
35
812
At least Upset stomach, decreased appetite,
1012
dizziness, fatigue, nausea, mood
swings
35
68
26
68
5
18 mg/day, to a maximum of 72 mg
12
5 mg two or three times a day, to a maximum of 60 mg 35
10 mg (apply for 9 hr), to a maximum of 30 mg
1112
Dose
of
* All agents listed have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children and adolescents. Data are from Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder Steering Committee on Quality Improvement Management.36
n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l
Methylphenidate
Concerta
Methylin
Daytrana transdermal
patch
Ritalin
Ritalin LA
Ritalin SR
Metadate CD
Quillivant XR
Dexmethylphenidate
Focalin
Focalin XR
Norepinephrine-reuptake
inhibitor (atomoxetine): Strattera
2-Adrenergic agonists
Extended-release guanfacine: Intuniv
Amphetamine stimulants
Table 2. Pharmacotherapeutic Agents for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents.*
The
m e dic i n e
DuPaul et al.40
Office-based interventions produce Combined with other Effective programs also contain
minimal effects; some studies
approaches, so isoelements of parental training
of behavioral peer interventions
lated effect size not
inbehavioral management
plus clinic-based parental traindetermined
andbehavioral classroom
ing in behavior management
management
showed positive effects on parental ratings of ADHD symptoms but no effects on social
functioning
Interventions focused on peer
relationships; these are often
group-based interventions
provided weekly and include
clinic-based social-skills training used either alone or concurrently with parental training in behavior management,
medication, or both
Behavioral peer
interventions
Reference
DuPaul et al.40
Programs tailored to meet individual
students needs and delivered in
a positively reinforcing environment with minimal use of punitive strategies
Behavior-modification principles Improved attention to instruction,
provided to teachers for use in
compliance with classroom rules,
classrooms; based on behavdecreased disruptive behavior,
ioral therapy principles and
and improved work productivity
self-regulation interventions
Behavioral classroom
management
Moderate
Factors Associated
with Good Outcomes
Effect Size
Expected Outcomes
Behavior-modification principles
provided to parents for use
athome
The AAP recommends monthly visits for adjusting medication in children and adolescents with
ADHD, followed by at least semiannual visits until steady progress toward behavioral and functional goals has been achieved.36 Follow-up care
requires monitoring of symptoms, concurrent conditions, measurable objectives, and general functional outcomes. Routine monitoring in children
receiving medication should include measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and
heart rate. Adverse reactions may change over
time and should be assessed routinely. The dura-
Description
Longitudinal Care
Intervention
Behavioral parent
training
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843
The
n e w e ng l a n d j o u r na l
A r e a s of Uncer ta in t y
Concerns have been raised about increased cardiovascular risk and decreased height after prolonged use of stimulant medication for ADHD.
Although in 2008 the American Heart Association recommended electrocardiography in children before they begin to receive stimulant medications, subsequent studies showed that the
frequency of unexpected death among children
receiving stimulants was no higher than the frequency in the general population of children.45,46
Before stimulants are prescribed, it is prudent to
inquire about the patients cardiac history and
family history of syncope or unexplained death.34
A meta-analysis of cohort studies and clinical
trials concluded that height attenuation with the
use of stimulant medication is dose-dependent
and is approximately 1 cm per year for up to
3years of medication use. The amount of catchup growth after discontinuation of medical therapy was inconsistent across studies.47 Long-term
studies are needed to assess the risks and benefits of ongoing treatment with medication.
Another area of uncertainty is whether vari844
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Guidel ine s
The AAP reissued practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ADHD,36 highlighting differences in the treatment of preschool,
school-age, and adolescent patients. A supplement to these guidelines provides information
on how to ascertain the relevant data and engage
the child in clinical care.36 The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
has also published guidelines for the diagnosis
and management of ADHD.52 The AAP recommends direct contact between clinicians and
teachers, whereas the AACAP permits parental
reports of school performance. In addition, the
AACAP recommends medication as first-line treat-
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ment and psychosocial therapies if medication pro- physician suggest a comprehensive psychoeducavides a less-than-satisfactory response, whereas the tional assessment to determine whether he has
AAP promotes both types of management.
learning disabilities. In addition, his academic
productivity and social difficulties should be targeted for interventions; given the demonstrated
C onclusions a nd
benefits of these methods in clinical studies, we
R ec om mendat ions
would recommend behavioral parental training,
The child described in the vignette has the core behavioral classroom management, peer intervensymptoms of ADHD inattention, hyperactivity, tion approaches, or a combination of these methand impulsivity with functional impairment in ods. Specific, individualized, measurable objectives
academic performance and social relationships. should be established and progress toward those
He had improvement in core symptoms of ADHD objectives carefully monitored in collaboration
when he received stimulant medication, as has with his family and teachers, as well as counselors,
been shown in randomized trials of these medica- coaches, and other advisors in the community.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was
tions. However, the use of stimulants alone did
reported.
not substantially improve his educational and soDisclosure forms provided by the authors are available with
cial functioning. We recommend that the treating the full text of this article at NEJM.org.
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