The stimulants

Abstract

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in child psychiatry, used generally for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this article, the authors summarize the literature on the prevalence of use, neurobiology, and pharmacology of stimulants. Likewise, recent studies on the use of stimulants are reviewed, such as their use in specific ADHD populations including those with conduct disorder, girls, preschoolers, adolescents, and adults. Clinical guidelines for the management of children and adolescents receiving stimulants are offered, and treatment strategies are delineated for ADHD subjects with comorbidity and medication-induced adverse effects.