ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) IN CHILDHOOD: CURRENT TRENDS IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY THERAPY (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in children, with a prevalence of 5% in schoolchildren in Brazil. The primary symptoms are attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity, other presentations may be difficult to perform basic activities that require concentration, low academic performance, anxiety, feelings of guilt and inadequacy. In this context, ADHD presents a heterogeneous clinical picture, requiring an assertive diagnostic approach and multifactorial therapy. Given the importance of the topic, the present work consists of a literature review with articles published in the Scielo and Pubmed databases, with the combined descriptors "ADHD", "children", "treatment", and aims to present and discuss the pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches currently used in the treatment of ADHD in children.

In the therapeutic approach to ADHD, the process begins with family and school guidance, aiming for better adherence to treatment. The first-line pharmacological treatment recommended for children with ADHD is methylphenidate (MFD), which is available in immediate-release or prolonged-release form. The use of tricyclic and atypical antidepressants, such as imipramine and bupropion, respectively, also has good evidence. In this sense, the pharmacological choice requires an individualized assessment, and must be associated early with non-drug interventions, especially in the context of psychotherapy, highlighting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which uses techniques such as self-instruction, self-monitoring, planning and creation of reward systems that motivate the child during therapy. Therefore, ADHD in childhood appears to be a very complex condition, which demands treatment that involves the participation and understanding of the family, with a focus on social inclusion in different sectors, such as the school environment, aiming at continued care, which is value of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological devices available in the health system.