When parents bring in their kids for concentration, attention, and learning issues, it’s common to assume a provisional diagnosis of ADHD. In many children, however, anxiety can be the real cause of these problems.

Some studies have indicated that patients with ADHD may be at an increased risk of suicide. While these studies have shown associations between methylphenidate use and suicide, it is not clear whether the stimulant actually causes suicidality or whether patients taking stimulants are suicidal for other reasons.

Integrative approaches to treating ADHD have become increasingly sought after by parents, especially those who are concerned about the side effects and potential overuse of psychostimulant medication.

Our official 2017 Carlat ADHD Stimulant Comparison table, an easy-to- use reference that you’ll find handy.

We all hear that the problem is that every child with bad behavior is given a stimulant. In actuality, the saddest cases are the children who have not been identified despite chronic academic underperformance and behavioral problems.

Modafinil (Provigil) is FDA-approved for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder, but not for ADHD. Given that it has some of the same stimulating properties of psychostimulants, it should theoretically be effective.

The post-test for this issue is available for one year after the publication date to subscribers only. By successfully completing the test you will be awarded a certificate for 2 CME credits.

Parents of kids with ADHD often ask about the role of diet and nutrition in their child’s symptoms, and research has uncovered some interesting possibilities. For example, there is some evidence that concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs, which includes omega-3 fatty acids) may be lower in people with ADHD.

How do you confidently diagnose a child that you suspect is presenting with PANDAS/PANS? (See lead article for definition.) And if you do make that diagnosis, how should treatment proceed? Child psychiatrist Erica Greenberg sees new cases almost every week. We turned to her for some boots-on-the-ground guidance.

Diagnosing ADHD continues to be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Having an “objective,” valid test for ADHD would be of value to clinicians and families alike. Continuous performance tests (CPT) are gaining popularity as a complement to clinical examination, rating scales, and interviews with parents and teachers.