DRUG-TREATMENT FOR HYPERACTIVE-CHILDREN - THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioural disorder and medication is one of the principal treatments . Methylphenidate and dexamphetamine dextroamphetamine) have a long re cord of use in children and well proven efficacy, and are the preferre d drugs. Current clinical guidelines recommend a trial of methylphenid ate and of dexamphetamine for each child meeting criteria for the diso rder in order to maximise response rate and minimise adverse effects.