What are common ADHD treatments?

• A. Antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.
• B. SSRI antidepressants.
• C. Stimulants, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, alpha-2 agonists.
• D. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Answer: (C)

ADHD treatments mainly target dysregulated catecholamine signaling in brain regions that control attention and impulse control, especially the prefrontal cortex. Stimulants (which boost dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain) are the most effective and commonly used option, improving focus and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. If stimulants aren’t suitable or for patients who may benefit from a nonstimulant approach, alternatives include a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (which increases norepinephrine signaling) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (which help with impulse control and hyperactivity by modulating prefrontal network activity). The other drug classes listed don’t target the core symptoms of ADHD: antipsychotics and benzodiazepines aren’t first-line treatments and don’t reliably improve attention; SSRIs are used for comorbid anxiety or depression but don’t address ADHD symptoms effectively; monoamine oxidase inhibitors are not standard ADHD therapies due to safety concerns and limited efficacy for core ADHD symptoms.