An 8-year-old girl meets criteria for ADHD combined presentation. She also has significant comorbid anxiety symptoms with excessive worry and separation fears. Her parents prefer a single oral medication. Which choice best addresses both conditions while avoiding exacerbation of anxiety?
- A Methylphenidate
- B Atomoxetine ✓
- C Amphetamine
- D Lisdexamfetamine
Correct answer: B. Atomoxetine
Explanation
Stimulants can aggravate anxiety symptoms in some children, so in ADHD with prominent comorbid anxiety, atomoxetine is often preferred because it treats both ADHD core symptoms and has demonstrated benefit for comorbid anxiety, all in a single non-stimulant agent. Amphetamines including lisdexamfetamine carry the same anxiety-exacerbation concern as methylphenidate. Behavioural therapy remains useful adjunctively but the question asks for a single medication.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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