Question: So – does anyone use clonidine any more (in conjunction with stimulants for aggression or conduct problems)? I’ve seen a number of my patients ending up on Intuniv – is that better? Is it something I can prescribe? I have 2-3 boys, middle school aged, on stimulants who fit the criteria I used to [...]
Who Should Evaluate and Treat ADHD? The AAP’s Nudge
In October, the journal Pediatrics, based right here in Vermont, published updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding the assessment and treatment of ADHD. Since its publication, what has clearly generated the most media discussion about these new guidelines is the inclusion of preschool children (age 4 and above) in the recommendations. [...]
Tags: add, adhd, mental health, psychiatry
New NEJM Study Shows No Increased Cardiovascular Risk with ADHD Medications
by John Koutras, MD The use of ADHD drugs was not associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events in children and young adults. This was the overall finding of a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. ADHD medications are prescribed for more than 2.7 million children in the US [...]
Misbehavior at School? Don’t Pull Recess and Sports
by Robert Althoff, MD PhD For many child and adolescent psychiatric diagnoses, problem behaviors occur in more than one setting – often home and also at school. Problem behavior, particularly externalizing or disruptive behavior, is a common reason for children to be sent to the principal’s office or the “opportunity room”. Sometimes these “opportunities” are [...]
Sleep Problems in ADHD
QUESTION: I have been treating a 7 year old boy with ADHD using Concerta 54mg and afternoon methylphenidate. He developed trouble sleeping which initially responded to clonidine but that seemed to stop working. I discontinued the methylphenidate in the afternoon, and switched to guanfacine at bedtime but that was of no help. Last week I had [...]