Wonder Drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Prince, eight, is an inattentive, impulsive and a hyperactive child who is facing serious academic, social and disciplinary problems. He often fails to finish things he starts, doesn't seem to listen and is easily distracted. Because of poor concentration he makes frequent careless mistakes. He often loses books, copies, pens and pencils. He has difficulty in staying seated, is fidgety and keeps shifting from one activity to another. He is always running about or climbing things and needs a lot of supervision.

Prince is suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which accounts for the largest category of psychological referrals among children. This disorder affects about 5% of the primary school children, with 75% or more being boys. The exact cause of ADHD is not known but it seems to be a genetic disorder. There is presumptive evidence of minimal brain damage, which in most cases is genetically inherited, but could also be due to complications during pregnancy and birth. A history of learning or conduct problems is commonly found in a parent or close relative of children with ADHD. Early identification and prompt intervention is crucial for these children, as it can prevent maladjustment at home and with the peer group.

There has been a lot of research into the use of medication for the treatment of ADHD. Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine are two first-line drugs used in the treatment of ADHD. Both are highly effective and very safe. Second-line drugs used in the management of ADHD include Venlafaxine, Clonidine, Bupropion and Imipramine.

Methylphenidate: Until recently methylphenidate was the only approved drug available in India. It is a psycho-stimulant, and produces significant improvement in attention span, impulse control, hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour. This results in better organization of behaviour, task completion and self-regulation. The child's social skills and academic performance improve considerably.