Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)

Management of attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders in children and young people

BACKGROUND

In 2001, SIGN published a guideline on the management of attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders (ADHD/HKD) in children and young people (SIGN 52). Since then there have been advances in both the range of medication available and the formulations of existing medications. Interest in complementary and alternative treatments has expanded and the role of diet and dietary supplements has attracted attention.

This updated guideline provides new recommendations for selection of medication and presents the current evidence base for a range of complementary and alternative treatments in ADHD/HKD.

WHY WE NEED A GUIDELINE

Children with ADHD/HKD and their families require a comprehensive package of care, involving education services as well as health. The guideline aims to provide a framework for evidence based assessment and management of ADHD/HKD which can be applied within a local multidisciplinary and multiagency approach.

THE CHALLENGE FOR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS

The challenge for healthcare practitioners is to select and implement effective treatment strategies appropriate to the age of the child, the degree of impairment and the comorbidities which may be present.

REMIT

Diagnosis
Assessment
Principles of intervention
Psychological interventions
Pharmacological therapy
Nutrition and complementary and alternative therapies
Treatment selection
Information leaflet for parents

TARGET USERS OF THE GUIDELINE

This guideline will be of interest to paediatricians and general practitioners and to health professionals working within child and adolescent mental health services including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and occupational therapists. It will also be relevant to a range of education professionals including teachers and educational psychologists. Those in the voluntary sector providing services and advice to families will also have an interest.