Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Publication Date: September 1, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Key Action Statements
The pediatrician or other PCC should initiate an evaluation for ADHD for any child or adolescent age 4 years to the 18th birthday who presents with academic or behavioral problems and symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. (BStrong)
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To make a diagnosis of ADHD, the PCC should determine that DSM-5 criteria have been met, including documentation of symptoms and impairment in more than 1 major setting (ie, social, academic, or occupational), with information obtained primarily from reports from parents or guardians, teachers, other school personnel, and mental health clinicians who are involved in the child or adolescent’s care. The PCC should also rule out any alternative cause. (BStrong)
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In the evaluation of a child or adolescent for ADHD, the PCC should include a process to at least screen for comorbid conditions, including emotional or behavioral conditions (eg, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders, substance use), developmental conditions (eg, learning and language disorders, autism spectrum disorders), and physical conditions (eg, tics, sleep apnea). (BStrong)
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ADHD is a chronic condition; therefore, the PCC should manage children and adolescents with ADHD in the same manner that they would children and youth with special health care needs, following the principles of the chronic care model and the medical home. (BStrong)
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For preschool-aged children (age 4 years to the sixth birthday) with ADHD, the PCC should prescribe evidence-based PTBM and/or behavioral classroom interventions as the first line of treatment, if available. (A, Strong)
(for PTBM)
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Methylphenidate may be considered if these behavioral interventions do not provide significant improvement and there is moderate-to-severe continued disturbance in the 4- through 5-year-old child’s functioning. In areas in which evidence-based behavioral treatments are not available, the clinician needs to weigh the risks of starting medication before the age of 6 years against the harm of delaying treatment. (BStrong)
(for methylphenidate)
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For elementary and middle school-aged children (age 6 years to the 12th birthday) with ADHD, the PCC should prescribe FDA-approved medications for ADHD, along with PTBM and/or behavioral classroom intervention (preferably both PTBM and behavioral classroom interventions). Educational interventions and individualized instructional supports, including school environment, class placement, instructional placement, and behavioral supports, are a necessary part of any treatment plan and often include an IEP or a rehabilitation plan (504 plan).
- for medications
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- for training and behavioral treatments for ADHD with family and school.
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For adolescents (age 12 years to the 18th birthday) with ADHD, the PCC should prescribe FDA-approved medications for ADHD with the adolescent’s assent. The PCC is encouraged to prescribe evidence-based training interventions and/or behavioral interventions as treatment of ADHD, if available. Educational interventions and individualized instructional supports, including school environment, class placement, instructional placement, and behavioral supports, are a necessary part of any treatment plan and often include an IEP or a rehabilitation plan (504 plan).
- for medications
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- for training and behavioral treatments for ADHD with the family and school.
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The PCC should titrate doses of medication for ADHD to achieve maximum benefit with tolerable side effects. (B, Strong)
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The PCC, if trained or experienced in diagnosing comorbid conditions, may initiate treatment of such conditions or make a referral to an appropriate subspecialist for treatment. After detecting possible comorbid conditions, if the PCC is not trained or experienced in making the diagnosis or initiating treatment, the patient should be referred to an appropriate subspecialist to make the diagnosis and initiate treatment. (C, Moderate)
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Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Authoring Organization
American Academy of Pediatrics
Publication Month/Year
September 1, 2019
Last Updated Month/Year
September 11, 2023
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
This guideline addresses the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children from age 4 years to their 18th birthday, with special guidance provided for ADHD care for preschool-aged children and adolescents.
Target Patient Population
Children and adolescent with ADHD
Inclusion Criteria
Male, Female, Adolescent, Child
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Childcare center, Outpatient
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Counseling, Diagnosis, Assessment and screening, Treatment, Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D010372 - Pediatrics, D019958 - Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, D001289 - Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, D000697 - Central Nervous System Stimulants
Keywords
pediatric, ADHD
Source Citation
Pediatrics October 2019, 144 (4) e20192528; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-2528