Pharmacotherapy With Attention-Deficit Disorder

Limandri, Barbara J. PhD, PMHNP, BC

Dr. Limandri is Professor Emerita, Linfield College, School of Nursing, McMinnville, Oregon.

The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Barbara J. Limandri, PhD, PMHNP, BC, Professor Emerita, 9136 SW 36th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219; e-mail: [email protected].

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 58(5):p 7-14, May 01, 2020. | DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20200417-01

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children and a small proportion retain the disorder into adulthood. The primary feature of ADHD is inattentiveness that contributes to restlessness, and it is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a 2- to 3->< delay in cortical maturation in children. Neurophysiological studies identify functional connectivity changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex. The sympathomimetics that act as dopamine agonists are the mainstay in pharmacological treatment. The current article addresses the definition and manifestations of attention-deficit disorder, comorbidities in children and adults, epidemiology, neurophysiology, and pharmacological treatment strategies. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(5), 7–14.]