Treating ADHD in Children with Medication

Children with ADHD can effectively improve their symptoms through drug treatment. Commonly used drugs include central nervous system stimulants, non-central nervous system stimulants and antidepressants. Drug treatment combined with behavioral therapy and educational intervention is more effective.

1. Central nervous system stimulants are the first choice for treating children with ADHD. They mainly improve attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms by regulating the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Commonly used drugs include methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and Ritalin. Methylphenidate is divided into two dosage forms: immediate release and sustained release. The immediate release dosage form has a shorter duration of action and needs to be taken multiple times a day. The sustained release dosage form has a longer duration of action and can be taken once a day. The mechanism of action of dextroamphetamine is similar to that of methylphenidate, but it has a longer duration of action and relatively fewer side effects. Ritalin is another form of methylphenidate, with an action time between immediate release and sustained release.

2. Non-CNS stimulants are suitable for children who are intolerant to or have poor effects on CNS stimulants. Commonly used drugs include atomoxetine and guanfacine. Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that improves symptoms mainly by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. It has a long duration of action and can be taken once a day. Guanfacine is an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist that improves symptoms by regulating the release of norepinephrine in the brain. It is suitable for children with impulsive behavior.

3. Antidepressants are suitable for children with mood disorders. Commonly used drugs include fluoxetine and sertraline. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that improves mood and hyperactivity symptoms mainly by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. The mechanism of action of sertraline is similar to that of fluoxetine, but it lasts longer and has relatively fewer side effects.

Drug treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, with regular evaluation of efficacy and side effects, and adjustment of dosage and type of drug. Parents and schools should cooperate with behavioral therapy and educational intervention to help children improve symptoms and improve their quality of life. Through comprehensive treatment, most children's ADHD symptoms can be effectively controlled, and their daily life and learning abilities can be significantly improved.