[An update on the pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: lisdexamphetamine and extended-release guanfacine].

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorders in the child population. Its treatment is complex and must include psychoeducational, environmental and pharmacological measures. In recent years, the main novelties as regards its pharmacological treatment have been the appearance of lisdexamphetamine and extended-release guanfacine.

AIMS: The increase in the number of drugs available for the treatment of ADHD makes it possible to treat and cover a very wide range of different clinical situations. The purpose of this review is to perform an analysis of the literature on the two drugs.

DEVELOPMENT: The study determines the strong points of both treatments, with special attention given to their mechanism of action, their tolerability and their efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS: Extended-release guanfacine enables the professional to treat situations that are poorly covered by stimulants, such as children with irritability and tics, with a significant profile characterised by moderate efficacy and good tolerability and safety. The appearance of lisdexamphetamine has brought about a very important change because, according to the literature, it is a drug that, from the clinical point of view, is both complete and effective in improving the symptoms of ADHD. Moreover, it has a good safety profile.