Pharmacological management for children and adolescents with ADHD should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan including psychological, behavioural, and educational advice and interventions. If pharmacological treatment is appropriate, stimulant medications and atomoxetine are the most effective medications for ADHD. The European ADHD Guidelines Group (a panel of ADHD experts from several European countries) has developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and published algorithms on the use of long-acting medications. Recently, the Guidelines Group has conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature on adverse effects of the drugs that are licensed in Europe, and most commonly used, for the treatment of ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder. This presentation will summarize those results and give an update on efficacy and safety issues concerning the pharmacological treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD.