Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Primary Care: pharmacologic treatment with methylphenidate and non pharmacologic options

The attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) offers a great clinical variability. Therefore, after a correct diagnosis and evaluation many different therapeutic options can be considered, and reconsidered along its evolution, including precise information to families, up to complex intervention in multidisciplinary surroundings. Pharmacologic treatment is a very valid choice, alone or combined with other procedures, and it must be well known by the Primary Care paediatrician that prescribes or carries out monitoring. For the moment, in our country the only authorised pharmacologic treatment for ADHD is stimulants, basically methylphenidate, whose properties, mechanism of action, indications and pharmacologic presentations are commented. Also, the side effects and contraindications are detailed since they must be considered when prescribing and monitoring. Finally, some criterion is exposed to facilitate a choice among a pharmacologic treatment, behaviour and cognitive therapy, or combined treatment in Primary Care. In a specific section alternatives depending on the age groups are provided.