Psychiatrist.comEmerging Therapies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Expanding therapeutic options for ADHD beyond traditional stimulants.

New therapies for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are gaining momentum, offering both stimulant and non-stimulant alternatives with fewer side effects and greater efficacy. These advancements stand to enhance patient compliance and cater to unmet needs, potentially reshaping the landscape of ADHD management.

HCN Medical Memo
For physicians managing ADHD patients, the evolving therapeutic landscape offers a broader range of options that can be tailored to individual patient needs. Whether you have patients who are non-responsive to traditional stimulants, or those who are seeking alternatives due to side effects, the increasing array of medications and devices heralds a more personalized approach to ADHD treatment.

Key Points:

• Recent advancements in ADHD treatments include novel stimulant formulations and non-stimulant alternatives, each with distinct advantages and limitations.
• Newer stimulant options like a combination of serdexmethylphenidate (SDX) and dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH) have gained FDA approval and offer reduced risk of abuse.
• Transdermal treatments have also emerged as a viable stimulant option, enabling better medication adherence and customization of therapy duration.
• Non-stimulant medications, such as viloxazine ER (VER), offer promising results with significant improvements in behavior in pediatric and adult patients.
• Technological innovations like the Monarch e-TNS system and EndeavorRx provide additional or alternative options to traditional pharmacological treatments.

Approximately 40% of pediatric patients on atomoxetine, a non-stimulant, still experience persistent ADHD symptoms.

Additional Points:

• The α2 agonists (clonidine extended release [ER], guanfacine ER) are FDA-approved for children but not yet for adults.
• Some of the new therapies still need to undergo further trials to establish long-term safety and efficacy.
• Numerous devices for ADHD treatment are under clinical trial, besides those that have already received FDA approval.

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