ADHD-New Directions in Treatment

     Approximately 4 million US children aged 3 to 17 years have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, according to a 2005 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although it is most commonly studied in school-aged children, ADHD spans the entire life cycle, through adolescence and adulthood. Accurate diagnosis of ADHD is imperative for successful management of this syndrome.

     The development of new formulations of ADHD drugs is changing the direction of treatment for this condition.  Long-acting formulations that are now available provide longer durations of action (8-12 hours) and eliminate the need to take medication while at school. Non-stimulant drugs allow greater control over distractibility by inhibiting automatic shift of attention to novel stimulus events. 

       Compounding options for ADHD usually focus on patients that are unable to swallow a pill or are uncooperative in taking their medicine. Pharmacy compounders have successfully created liquid dosage forms to administer these medicines so that they are acceptable to the patient. The goal is to increase compliance and success in treating ADHD. The stability of the medication in different vehicles is an important consideration for both the compounder and the patient. Some medications are not stable in water based solutions and therefore need to be prepared in oil solutions or suspensions.