Evaluating Assessment and Medication Treatment of ADHD in Children with Down Syndrome

Esbensen, Anna JFroehlich, Tanya E

Summary​

Though children with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk for having a comorbid diagnosis of Attention- Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ADHD is often under-recognized in children with DS due to “diagnostic overshadowing” by the primary intellectual disability. Even when ADHD is diagnosed in children with DS, ADHD is often under-treated due to a lack of data to support the efficacy and safety of stimulant medication in children with DS+ADHD, especially among the 50% of children with DS who have congenital heart defects for whom there could be increased cardiac risk. This study is the first clinical trial of stimulant medication in children with DS+ADHD and will determine the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of these medications in children with DS+ADHD and has the potential to significantly improve the functional status, behavior, and quality of life of children with DS+ADHD.

Down Syndrome Publications​