There are six dimensions of executive function, and with ADHD show widespread failure of the executive system, often in all six dimensions.

Researchers have often found an association between television viewing and higher rates of attention problems over time, though not all studies have supported this link.

Dosing stimulants is never easy. There are various rules of thumb—for example, 0.5 mg/kg for amphetamine preparations and 1 mg/kg for methylphenidate preparations—but these have not been empirically validated.

Guanfacine, an alpha-2 agonist, is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD and has now received official FDA approval in a new, extended-release formulation. Shire will soon market the drug under the brand name Intuniv. So how well does it work?

A recent follow-up of the Multisite Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) study investigated the long-term course of ADHD and the impact of short-term treatment on long-term outcomes.

The last time we did an entire issue on ADHD was in September of 2006. In this brief article, we’ll bring you up to date on some recent developments.

On February 21, 2007, the FDA directed all manufacturers of stimulants to develop Medication Guides for patients, spelling out, in non-technical language, the dangers of taking these medications.

On February 23, the FDA approved Shire and New River’s Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) for the treatment of ADHD in children. Vyvanse is the molecule dextroamphetamine (trade names Dexedrine and Dextrostat) attached to the amino acid lysine.

Recently three new psychostimulant formulations have been approved (Daytrana, the Ritalin patch, and Focalin XR), and one older medication received a new indication (Adderall XR is now indicated for adult ADHD).

On April 6, 2006, the FDA announced the approval of Daytrana, a transdermal patch version of Ritalin (methylphenidate). While you wouldn’t know it by the gushy promotional copy on Daytrana’s website (www.daytrana.com), the Ritalin patch just barely squeaked through the FDA approval process.