The Texas Children's Medication Algorithm Project: Report of the Texas Consensus Conference Panel on medication treatment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Part II: Tactics

Objectives: Expert consensus methodology was used to develop a medication t reatment algorithm for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The algorithm broadly outlined the choice of medication for ADHD and some of i ts most common comorbid conditions. Specific tactical recommendations were developed with regard to medication dosage, assessment of drug response, ma nagement of side effects, and long-term medication management. Method: The consensus conference of academic clinicians and researchers, practicing cli nicians, administrators, consumers, and families developed evidence-based t actics for the pharmacotherapy of childhood ADHD and its common comorbid di sorders. The panel discussed specifics of treatment of ADHD and its comorbi d conditions with stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, alpha-agon ists, and (when appropriate) antipsychotics. Results: Specific tactics for the use of each of the above agents are outlined. The tactics are designed to be practical for implementation in the public mental health sector, but they may have utility in many practice settings, including the private prac tice environment. Conclusions: Tactics for psychopharmacological management of ADHD can be developed with consensus.