Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: pharmacotherapy in special situations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. In addition to the core symptoms, patients with ADHD often have manifestations of neurocognitive dysfunction (executive functioning deficiency, speech disorders, sluggish cognitive tempo), and about two thirds of children with established ADHD have another comorbid disorder. When prescribing pharmacotherapy, drugs with a positive effect on both the symptoms of ADHD and comorbid disorders are preferred. These include atomoxetine hydrochloride. The possibilities of using atomoxetine in the comorbidity of ADHD with destructive behavior, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, nocturnal enuresis, tics, stuttering, dyslexia, as well as the effect of atomoxetine on sluggish cognitive tempo and executive functioning are considered. The approaches to optimal dosing and minimization of adverse events during atomoxetine treatment are discussed.