A child diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is going to begin medication therapy. The nurse should plan to teach the family about which classification of medications?

A. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: MAOIs are antidepressants used rarely today due to significant dietary and drug interactions. They are not used for ADHD management because they do not directly target inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. B. Central nervous system stimulants: CNS stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine salts are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving attention span, concentration, and impulse control in children. C. Anxiolytic medications: Anxiolytics are primarily used for anxiety disorders and do not address the core symptoms of ADHD. They may be considered only if anxiety co-occurs with ADHD but are not a standard treatment for the disorder itself. D. Antipsychotic medications: Antipsychotics are prescribed for psychotic disorders or severe mood instability, not ADHD. In rare cases, they may be used for extreme aggression in children with comorbid conditions, but they are not first-line therapy for ADHD.