In this review, we consider issues relating to the pharmacological treatment of young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD in preschool-age children has a profound impact on psychosocial function and developmental trajectory. Clinical studies on pharmacotherapies for ADHD in young children have expanded rapidly in the past 2 decades, providing some evidence of efficacy for both psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant medications. However, preschool children may be more susceptible to adverse effects of medications, including growth reduction and cardiovascular side effects. Many questions remain regarding the long-term safety and effectiveness of these interventions; thus more research is needed to help clinicians evaluate the risk–benefit ratio for preschoolers with ADHD. As this body of knowledge grows, providers should consider the level of impairment caused by current symptoms in the risk–benefit analysis. Families should be educated not just about potential effects of medication but known complications of untreated ADHD; parents will likely not fully appreciate the long-term psychological effects of chronic behavioral problems and underachievement on a young child. A blanket “wait and see” approach should be avoided, in order to prevent a permanent loss of self-esteem and motivation that may affect some children throughout their lifespan.

在这篇综述中，我们考虑了与注意力缺陷多动障碍 (ADHD) 幼儿的药物治疗有关的问题。学龄前儿童的多动症对心理社会功能和发育轨迹有深远的影响。在过去的 20 年中，针对幼儿 ADHD 的药物治疗的临床研究迅速扩大，为精神兴奋剂和非精神兴奋剂药物的疗效提供了一些证据。然而，学龄前儿童可能更容易受到药物的不利影响，包括生长减缓和心血管副作用。关于这些干预措施的长期安全性和有效性仍有许多问题；因此需要更多的研究来帮助临床医生评估患有多动症的学龄前儿童的风险收益比。随着这一知识体系的增长，提供者应在风险收益分析中考虑由当前症状引起的损害程度。不仅要对家庭进行有关药物潜在影响的教育，还要对未经治疗的 ADHD 的已知并发症进行教育；父母可能不会完全理解慢性行为问题和成绩不佳对幼儿的长期心理影响。应避免一揽子“观望”的做法，以防止永久性丧失自尊和动力，这可能会影响一些孩子的一生。父母可能不会完全理解慢性行为问题和成绩不佳对幼儿的长期心理影响。应避免一揽子“观望”的做法，以防止永久性丧失自尊和动力，这可能会影响一些孩子的一生。父母可能不会完全理解慢性行为问题和成绩不佳对幼儿的长期心理影响。应避免一揽子“观望”的做法，以防止永久性丧失自尊和动力，这可能会影响一些孩子的一生。