Pharmacological update in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: models of intervention and new drugs

• Published in: Revista de neurologiá Vol. 54 Suppl 3; pp. S41 - S53
• Main Authors: Mulas, Fernando, Gandía, Rubén, Roca, Patricia, Etchepareborda, Máximo C, Abad, Luis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 21-05-2012
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - classification; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - genetics; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Brain - pathology; Brain - physiopathology; Brain Mapping; Central Nervous System Stimulants - administration & dosage; Central Nervous System Stimulants - pharmacokinetics; Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders - diagnosis; Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders - etiology; Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders - physiopathology; Drugs, Investigational - therapeutic use; Early Diagnosis; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials; Executive Function - drug effects; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Models, Biological; Neuroimaging - methods; Neuropsychological Tests; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Prognosis; Psychotropic Drugs - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1576-6578
• DOI: 10.33588/rn.54S03.2012243

INTRODUCTION. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent neurodevelopmental problem in childhood, with significant repercussions that continue into adulthood. This means that an appropriate therapeutic intervention is vital to improve its prognosis. AIMS. To identify the ideal pharmacological options according to the characteristics of the patient and to report on the new drugs. DEVELOPMENT. The work analyses how therapeutic interventions can be conditioned by the anatomical substrate of the brain, the biochemical bases, genetics, neurophysiological examinations, neuropsychological studies and the clinical symptoms and subtypes. A significant amount of importance is granted to neuropsychological studies, especially those dealing with the executive functions, including evaluation of attention, impulse control, and interference and cognitive flexibility. Taking into consideration the signal-to-noise characteristics can be useful when it comes to choosing the drug. CONCLUSIONS. The development of the pharmacological therapeutic options in ADHD opens up expectations concerning applicability and greater specificity in daily practice to fit the characteristics of each patient. Psychoeducation must always be included and a thorough study of each particular child is recommended. This should involve analysing the neuropsychological features of his or her brain function in order to be able to reflect on the ideal pharmacological option that allows more favourable progress.