ADHD treatment across the life cycle.

Since attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually diagnosed in children, evidence from the studies of pharmacologic treatments for children with ADHD is used to inform pharmacologic treatment recommendations for adults. A large percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD have symptoms that persist into adolescence and adulthood. Evidence shows that pharmacologic treatments improve functional outcomes in children with ADHD, and studies using similar pharmacologic treatments show positive results in adults with ADHD. This article reviews the use of long-acting methylphenidate, mixed amphetamine salts, desipramine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, bupropion, and atomoxetine in studies of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.