Tricyclic Antidepressants in the Treatment of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder

The controversy over the use of imipramine and other tricyclics in the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD), is examined, and all available literature is critically reviewed. Although both stimulants and antidepressants ameliorate ADD symptoms, the bulk of the literature suggests that overall, stimulants are superior to imipramine in the treatment of ADD. There may, however, be a subgroup of children with ADD who respond better to imipramine, and this group may be one characterized by higher levels of anxiety or depression or both.