Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology
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J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol · Jun 2013
ReviewA review of the rationale and clinical utilization of α2-adrenoceptor agonists for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity and related disorders.
Interest in the potential role for the α2-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and guanfacine as treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has driven additional clinical studies as well as development of new formulations of these agents. This article reviews the published data that supported United States Food and Drug Administration approval and subsequent clinical use of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of ADHD, and identifies promising directions for future research. ⋯ Large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of α2-adrenoceptor agonists as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy with psychostimulants for the symptomatic treatment of ADHD. Future research could reveal whether there are cognitive benefits associated with this drug class and thus further define the role of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of ADHD.
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J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol · Jun 2013
Comparative StudyThe diagnosis and management of delirium in infancy.
Atypical antipsychotics have been documented to be effective in the management of delirium in adults and older children, but despite considerable need, their use has been less studied in the very young. A retrospective chart review was undertaken to describe the use of atypical antipsychotics in controlling symptoms of delirium in infants and toddlers. ⋯ Although randomized placebo controlled studies are needed to better characterize the indications, risks, and benefits, these atypical antipsychotic medications appeared to be effective and safe for managing delirium symptoms in very young pediatric patients.