Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: closing diagnostic, communication, and treatment gaps.

Abstract

Nurses and nurse practitioners often play a key role in the management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disorder that often persists into adolescence and adulthood. The diagnosis of ADHD requires careful history taking, use of standardized rating scales, and close attention to the patient's behavior and informants' reports. Stimulants appear to be most effective for patients with this diagnosis, but pharmacotherapy for ADHD should be combined with educational and behavioral interventions and careful follow-up to optimize treatment outcomes. Nurses and nurse practitioners must advocate to assist patients and families achieve goals at home and at school.

• Authors: Amy Vierhile, Adelaide Robb, Patricia Ryan-Krause
• Journal: Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners (J Pediatr Health Care) 2009 Jan-Feb Vol. 23 Issue 1 Suppl Pg. S5-23 ISSN: 0891-5245 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19084757 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Central Nervous System Stimulants

Topics

• Adolescent
• Aftercare
• Algorithms
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (diagnosis, epidemiology, therapy)
• Behavior Therapy
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Communication Barriers
• Health Services Accessibility
• Humans
• Mass Screening
• Medical History Taking
• Nurse Practitioners
• Nurse's Role
• Nursing Assessment
• Parents (education, psychology)
• Patient Advocacy
• Patient Education as Topic
• Pediatric Nursing (organization & administration)
• Primary Health Care
• United States (epidemiology)