Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the commonest behavioural disorder in the UK, affecting 2–5% of school-aged children and young people.¹ Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state that medication is not indicated as first-line treatment for school-age children and young people with ADHD, but should be reserved for those with severe symptoms and impairment, or those with moderate levels of impairment who have refused non-drug interventions, or those whose symptoms have not responded sufficiently to parent-training/education programmes or group psychological treatment.² Current drug options include methylphenidate (first-line), atomoxetine (first- or second-line) or dexamfetamine (second- or third-line).² ▼Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse—Shire Pharmaceuticals) is a prodrug of dexamfetamine, licensed as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD in children aged 6 years and over when response to previous methylphenidate treatment is considered clinically inadequate.^3,4 Here we review the place of lisdexamfetamine in the management of ADHD in children and adolescents.