Stimulants for preschool ADHD down,A2As up

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is decreasing among children ages 2 to 5 in Kentucky, but the use of alpha‐2 agonists (A2As, such as clonidine and guanfacine) is increasing, and the use of stimulants is decreasing. The researchers urge long‐term follow‐up of these children, as well as vigilance in checking diagnosis and treatment. For the study, published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology and based on Medicaid claims, the researchers were not able to ascertain whether the diagnoses or the treatments were appropriate.