A review of Cochrane reviews on pharmacological treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent childhood psychiatric problems. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify, synthesize the results, and critically evaluate all Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) on the pharmacological interventions for children and adolescents (up to age 18) diagnosed with ADHD. Methods: The search was performed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (via Wiley) in July 2020. Results: The search strategy resulted in four SRs of high methodological quality, analyzing 51 randomized clinical trials (9,013 participants). Compared to placebo, treatment with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (desipramine), amphetamine, and methylphenidate showed improvement in symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in the short term (up to 6 months). There was an increase in the occurrence of adverse events, such as reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, and abdominal pain. Insufficient evidence was found to support the effects of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: The use of TCAs, amphetamine, and methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD seems to present positive effects and higher rates of minor adverse events when compared to placebo.

ADHD in the DSM-5-TR: What has changed and what has not

“…Second, the relative age effect phenomenon also concerns the pharmacological treatment for ADHD [see, for a review, ( 34 )]. Children are thus exposed to the adverse effects of ADHD drugs which span from death, cardiac problems, psychotic disorders ( 35 ) to reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, and abdominal pain ( 36 ).…”

Wirksamkeit von Safran beim Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätssyndrom (ADHS)

“…Auch trizyklische Antidepressiva wurden erfolgreich bei ADHS eingesetzt [17]. Sie hemmen die Wiederaufnahme von Noradrenalin-und Serotonin und erhöhen so deren Konzentrationen im synaptischen Spalt.…”

Desvelando os efeitos adversos do metilfenidato na atenção infanto-juvenil

“…A redução do apetite é um efeito colateral associado ao uso do Metilfenidato 4,5,21,22,24-27 e está diretamente relacionada com a perda de peso, incômodos estomacais e algia abdominal 4,21,22,24,27,28 . Outros sintomas como náuseas, emagrecimento, boca seca, gosto amargo na boca, sensação de intensificação do metabolismo corporal, sensação de fraqueza e cansaço estão associados com perda do apetite e do desenvolvimento da estatura 4,21,22,24 .…”