No abstract

Psychostimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine salt) are the pharmacologic treatment of choice for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, psychostimulants have been linked to a variety of vascular problems, including peripheral vasculopathy. This article describes four boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who developed vasculopathy during treatment with psychostimulants.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression in patients 18 years of age and older and for intractable epilepsy. Long-term studies suggest VNS has an antidepressant effect in adults. This paper reviews the available clinical data for VNS therapy. Its potential application for treatment-resistant depression in adolescents and children is also discussed.