The stimulants revisited

Abstract

Stimulants are the most often prescribed psychotropics in children and adolescents, used generally for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this article the authors summarize the literature on prevalence of usage, neurobiology, and pharmacology of the stimulants. Recent studies on the use of stimulants in special ADHD populations including preschoolers and adults, and co-occurring neurologic, psychiatric, and substance use disorders are cited. Clinical guidelines for the management of individuals receiving the stimulants are offered, and treatment strategies delineated for ADHD subjects with comorbidity and medication-induced adverse effects are discussed.