[Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid disorders]

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. Patients with ADHD show increased risk for comorbid psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, tic disorders and disruptive behavior disorders. Using criteria and methods of evidence-based medicine, in this paper possible algorithms for ADHD and comorbid disorders are presented. In conclusion, these algorithms aim to support health care professionals and can serve as guideline in decision making in pharmacotherapy. Stimulants are first-line medication treatment of ADHD without comorbid disorder. In co-existing aggression, major depressive disorder and tic disorder treatment with stimulants should be initialized at first. Only in case of unchanged persistence of comorbid symptoms specific pharmacological therapy should be combined. In comorbid anxiety disorders atomoxetine can be used as first-line treatment.