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Objective: The aim of this study was to identify patterns of ADHD care, including factors that guide selection and sequencing of treatments in a large nationwide sample of preschool-aged youth over the past 6 years. Method: A retrospective cohort study utilizing a large electronic health record (TriNetX) of nearly 24,000 children ages 3 to 6 diagnosed with ADHD. Results: One in three preschoolers with ADHD were prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly methylphenidate and guanfacine. One in 10 had at least one psychotherapy billing code during the entire assessment with most youth starting medication before psychotherapy. Rates of most treatments, including polypharmacy, increased with comorbid psychiatric disorders or sleep problems and over the course of the coronavirus pandemic. Conclusion: Rates of treatment have increased over time but are still largely inconsistent with published care guidelines that advise therapy before medication. Clinicians appear to prioritize psychiatric comorbidity and sleep problems when selecting treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: No psychosocial treatments have been developed for children with ADHD and severe mood dysregulation (SMD) despite the significant prevalence and morbidity of this combination. Therefore, the authors developed a novel treatment program for children with ADHD and SMD. Method: The novel therapy program integrates components of cognitive-behavioral therapies for affect regulation with a parent-training intervention for managing recurrent defiant behaviors. It consists of nine 105-min child and parent groups run in unison. A pilot trial was conducted with seven participants with ADHD and SMD ages 7 to 12 who were on a stable stimulant regimen. Results: Six of the seven (86%) families completed the program. Participants showed large improvements in depressive symptoms, mood lability, and global functioning. Milder improvements in externalizing behaviors were observed. Conclusion: Results suggest the feasibility and potential efficacy of the therapy program for children with ADHD and SMD and warrant a larger controlled trial. (Contains 3 tables.)

Objective: To test the efficacy and tolerability of the methylphenidate transdermal formulation (MTS) against immediate-release methylphenidate (IR MPH) and placebo in a 12-hr analog classroom setting. Method: A total of nine boys ages 6 to 9 years, medicated with MPH for ADHD, complete a within-subject, double-blind study. For the purpose of the study, the boys are administered a dose of 20 cm[superscript 2] MTS, a matched dose of IR MPH 10 mg TID, and placebo. ADHD symptoms and frequency counts of classroom rule violations and the number of math problems completed are assessed hourly, during three consecutive analog classroom sessions. Results: Findings show that, across measures and throughout the day, both treatments significantly differentiated from placebo (p less than 0.05) but not from each other. It is also observed that the MTS produced more consistent results across the day but had a delayed onset versus IR MPH. Both medications are well tolerated with only mild reductions in sleep onset. Conclusion: The MTS demonstrates comparable efficacy and tolerability to TID IR MPH. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)