Section - CAP Smart Takes

04. Managing ADHD and Anxiety in Children: A Clinical Guide

Published on August 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: August 1, 2026

David R. Rosenberg, M.D.

Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience - Wayne State University School of Medicine

Key Points

Stimulants are considered safe for children and adolescents with ADHD and concurrent anxiety, despite fears that they may exacerbate or induce anxiety.
Atomoxetine can be an effective alternative if stimulants are contraindicated or ineffective.
CBT can be a beneficial first-line approach in patients with ADHD and concurrent anxiety, potentially reducing the need for additional medication and allowing for lower dosages.

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Text version

Greetings. This is David Rosenberg representing the Psychopharmacology Institute. In this CAP—or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry—Smart Take, a close examination of unique diagnostic and treatment strategies for ADHD concomitant with anxiety is undertaken. Anxiety commonly coexists with ADHD; this coexistence is manifested through clear overlap: Patients with ADHD and anxiety typically demonstrate difficulties with attention and concentration and exhibit behaviors such as fidgeting and restlessness. Leon-Barriera’s examination elucidates distinctive diagnostic and treatment considerations when addressing ADHD with concomitant anxiety. Encouragingly, despite existing apprehensions that stimulants may augment anxiety or induce anxiety as an unwelcome side effect, meticulous reviews of current literature advocate the usage of stimulants in children and adolescents with ADHD and concomitant anxiety. Atomoxetine is a safe and effective treatment when meticulously titrated and monitored. Atomoxetine also surfaces as a viable option in youth with ADHD and concomitant anxiety, particularly when stimulants prove ineffective or are deemed contraindicated.

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05. Dose Titration of OROS-Methylphenidate in Pediatric ADHD

Learning Objectives:

Learn effective strategies for evaluating, monitoring, and managing antidepressant-related side effects in young patients.
Understand the impact of age on antidepressant response in patients with major depressive disorder and its implications for clinical practice.
Recognize that lamotrigine appears to be effective in pediatric mood disorders as monotherapy or an augmenting agent.
Recognize that ADHD with comorbid anxiety requires distinct diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Understand the real-world prescribing patterns of OROS-MPH in treating ADHD in children and adolescents.

Original Release Date: August 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: August 1, 2026

Expert: David Rosenberg, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

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Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.