Recommendations include screening for comorbid conditions, understanding ADHD is chronic condition
MONDAY, Sept. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published online Sept. 30 in Pediatrics, updated recommendations are presented for the evaluation and management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Noting that guidelines for evaluation and treatment of pediatric ADHD were first published in 2000 and revised in 2011, Mark L. Wolraich, M.D., from the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and colleagues reviewed new ADHD-related research to further update recommendations.
The authors note that recent publications do not support major changes to the previous recommendations. Only incremental updates have been made in the most recent recommendations, including the addition of a key action statement related to diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions. Recommendations include screening for co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use; understanding that ADHD is a chronic condition and needs to be managed following the principles of the chronic care model and medical home; use of evidence-based parent training in behavior management and/or behavioral classroom interventions as the first line of treatment for preschool-aged children; and use of approved medications combined with these interventions for elementary and middle school-aged children.
“ADHD is a chronic illness that can have a devastating impact if left untreated,” Wolraich said in a statement. “A pediatrician can help families figure out what is going on and work with families to help children succeed in managing their symptoms and behavior.”
Several authors disclosed financial ties to the publishing industry.
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