
This special issue of the journal titled “Novel Updates in ADHD,” presents contemporary evidence and innovative treatment strategies for managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Although pharmacotherapy has traditionally been the mainstay of treatment, there is increasing emphasis on multimodal interventions, particularly for individuals who demonstrate suboptimal responses to medication or experience significant adverse effects, leading to reduced compliance. This issue aims to explore alternative strategies that incorporate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options in situations where pharmacological interventions alone are insufficient.
The first review, “Neuromodulation as a Potential Intervention for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” [1], provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical foundations and clinical applications of prominent neuromodulation techniques, including neurofeedback, transcranial direct current stimulation, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. These interventions have garnered attention because of their noninvasive nature and relatively favorable safety profiles, potentially appealing to parents who express concerns about medication-related side effects or suboptimal therapeutic responses. Nonetheless, challenges such as limited sample sizes, lack of standardized protocols, and high associated costs necessitate further large-scale, methodologically rigorous research in this domain.
The second review, “A Review and an Update on Pharmacological Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” [2], explores the efficacy of stimulant and non-stimulant medications as well as recently developed agents and novel formulations that are not yet accessible in certain regions. Notably, emerging pharmacological agents such as viloxazine and centanafadine have the potential to address diverse clinical manifestations while minimizing adverse reactions, thereby facilitating more personalized treatment strategies. These pharmaceutical advancements underscore the importance of transitioning to precision medicine in ADHD management.
Collectively, the two reviews featured in this special issue emphasize the significance of integrating complementary approaches rather than relying solely on a single treatment modality for ADHD management. While a robust clinical rationale continues to support the use of pharmacotherapy as a cornerstone of ADHD management, the integration of non-pharmacological techniques, particularly neuromodulation, enhances the feasibility of tailored interventions. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials with prolonged follow-up periods to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of novel pharmacological agents and neuromodulation technologies. By advancing scientific knowledge and fostering evidence-based innovations, researchers and clinicians will be better equipped to collaboratively pursue optimal therapeutic outcomes in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.
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