Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Resources for Pediatricians

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobiological disorder in the United States. The majority of care for children with ADHD is provided by their pediatrician or other primary care clinician (PCC). 

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides clinical guidelines and algorithms to support diagnosis in primary care, as well as information on barriers and strategies to diagnosis.

Key actions include:

1. The pediatrician or PCC should initiate an evaluation for ADHD for any child 4 through 18 years of age who presents with academic or behavioral problems and symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
2. The pediatrician or PCC should determine that Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria have been met, ruling out alternative causes, including trauma.
3. Assess for other conditions that might coexist with ADHD, including emotional or behavioral (eg, anxiety, depressive, oppositional defiant, and conduct disorders), developmental (eg, learning and language disorders or other neurodevelopmental disorders), and physical (eg, tics, sleep apnea) conditions.
4. Manage care following the principles of the chronic care model and the medical home.
5. Recommendations for treatment of children and youth with ADHD vary depending on the patient's age. Follow clinical guidelines for preschool-aged children (4–5 years of age), elementary school–aged children (6–11 years of age), and adolescents (12–18 years of age).
6. Titrate doses of medication for ADHD to achieve maximum benefit with minimum adverse effects (quality of evidence B/strong recommendation).
7. Initiate treatment of comorbid conditions, if trained or experienced in diagnosing, or refer to appropriate subspecialist for treatment. 

The full clinical guidelines can be found in the resources below. 

This resource was made possible through the generous support of AAP donors to the Friends of Children Fund.