What is classified as a first-line treatment for ADHD?

Stimulants are recognized as the first-line treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to their efficacy in managing the symptoms of the condition. Medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This increase helps to improve attention, focus, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.

Research and clinical guidelines support the use of stimulant medications because they have been shown to be highly effective in a majority of children and adolescents. The benefits typically include significant improvements in behavior, cognitive performance, and social interactions.

Other treatments, while used for various conditions and sometimes for ADHD, do not have the same level of established evidence showing their effectiveness specifically for ADHD. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are primarily used for depression and anxiety disorders, and atypical antipsychotics are generally reserved for conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Similarly, other antidepressants do not typically address the core symptoms of ADHD as effectively as stimulants do.