Extended-release medications for children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Question 1

How frequent is ADHD?

Answer 1

1 in 20 children worldwide

Question 2

What risks are related to suboptimal treatment in ADHD?

Answer 2

Reduced:
1. QOL
2. Social skills
3. Parent-child relationships
4. Reading achievement
Increased risk of:
1. Injuries
2. Behavior problems
3. Difficulty in school
4. Drug or alcohol addiction

Question 3

What are reasons that XR medications should be preferred over IR?

Answer 3

1. Improving adherence
2. Reducing stigma (not taking medication at school)
3. Reducing problems schools have in storing and administrating controlled drugs
4. Their pharmacokinetic profiles

Question 4

What is the affect of stimulant medication on a child with ADHD risk of substance abuse?

Answer 4

Lowers risk

Question 5

What is diversion of medication?

Answer 5

The transfer of medication from one patient for whom it is prescribed to another patient for whom it is not prescribed

Question 6

What is misuse of medication?

Answer 6

The use of nonprescribed medications or the use of prescribed medications at doses, times or in combinations other than for which they were prescribed

Question 7

Is the risk of misuse and diversion higher in XR or IR stimulants?

Answer 7

IR stimulants are more likely than XR stimulants to be associated with diversion and misuse

Question 8

What are the first line recommendation when stimulant medications for ADHD are indicated?

Answer 8

XR preparations