| Course | DNP 672 Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Module | Module 1 |
| Paper type | Discussion board post and reply |
| Length | About 360 words |
| Format | Discussion post with APA 7 citations |
| School | Arizona State University |
| Program | Doctor of Nursing Practice |
| Updated | October 2026 |
Free sample paper for DNP 672 Module 1
DB 3: Stimulants and Non-Stimulants for ADHD, Compared
Fast and Strong or Steady and Slower: How Stimulants and Non-Stimulants Differ in ADHD Treatment
Initial Post
Mechanism. Stimulants raise dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapse. Methylphenidate mainly blocks their reuptake, while amphetamines also cause their release from nerve terminals. Non-stimulants work in other ways: atomoxetine and viloxazine act mainly on norepinephrine, and guanfacine and clonidine stimulate alpha-2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex (Stahl, 2021).
Onset and coverage. Stimulants work within an hour of the dose, so effects can be seen on day one and timed to school or work. Atomoxetine may take several weeks to reach full effect, but it provides steady coverage across the day, including evenings and early mornings.
Effect size. In a network meta-analysis that pooled 133 double-blind trials, Cortese's team found that every medication beat placebo on clinician ratings in children and adolescents, but the effect was largest for amphetamines (standardized mean difference -1.02) and methylphenidate (-0.78), compared with -0.56 for atomoxetine. Their conclusion favored methylphenidate first for children and adolescents and amphetamines first for adults (Cortese et al., 2018). The pediatric guideline likewise notes that stimulants have the strongest evidence, alongside behavioral treatment (Wolraich et al., 2019).
Side effects. Stimulants commonly reduce appetite and sleep and can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Atomoxetine can cause stomach upset and fatigue and has a boxed label warning of suicidal ideation in children and teens. Alpha-2 agonists cause sedation and lower blood pressure, and should be tapered rather than stopped suddenly to avoid rebound hypertension.
Misuse and regulation. Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances with potential for misuse and diversion. Non-stimulants are not controlled.
When I would choose a non-stimulant. A patient or family who declines a stimulant, a history of substance misuse in the patient or household, troublesome stimulant side effects, a co-occurring tic disorder or anxiety where an alpha-2 agonist may help, or a need for smooth all-day coverage.
Reply to a Classmate (Adults With Substance Use)
You asked about an adult with ADHD and a past stimulant use disorder. I would start with a non-stimulant such as atomoxetine, monitor closely and revisit a long-acting stimulant only with a clear agreement and prescription monitoring.
References
Cortese, S., Adamo, N., Del Giovane, C., Mohr-Jensen, C., Hayes, A. J., Carucci, S., Atkinson, L. Z., Tessari, L., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Hollis, C., Simonoff, E., Zuddas, A., Barbui, C., Purgato, M., Steinhausen, H.-C., Shokraneh, F., Xia, J., & Cipriani, A. (2018). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 727-738. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4
Stahl, S. M. (2021). Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Wolraich, M. L., Hagan, J. F., Allan, C., Chan, E., Davison, D., Earls, M., Evans, S. W., Flinn, S. K., Froehlich, T., Frost, J., Holbrook, J. R., Lehmann, C. U., Lessin, H. R., Okechukwu, K., Pierce, K. L., Winner, J. D., & Zurhellen, W. (2019). Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 144(4), Article e20192528. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-2528
Reading the DNP 672 Module 1 assignment instructions
Discussion board 3 sits in the ADHD week of the posted syllabus, after readings in the course psychopharmacology texts, with the prompt to describe the differences between stimulants and non-stimulants. Boards open Saturday morning and close the following Friday afternoon, and the syllabus rubric awards points each week for timely, evidence-based posts and replies, with eleven boards together making up 30% of the grade. Expect to compare the groups on mechanism of action, onset, effectiveness, side effects, monitoring and misuse potential, and to explain when you would choose each. Classmates will read many similar posts, so a clear comparison grounded in good evidence stands out. Avoid copying drug monographs.
How this DNP 672 Module 1 example is built
The post compares the two groups under five labeled headings: mechanism, onset and coverage, effect size, side effects, and misuse and regulation. Effect sizes come from a network meta-analysis of 133 trials, with its recommended first choices for children and adults, supported by the pediatric guideline. A final paragraph lists situations in which the writer would choose a non-stimulant, turning the comparison into clinical judgment. A short reply applies the comparison to an adult with a past stimulant use disorder. Three sources support the post: the network meta-analysis, the pediatric guideline and the course psychopharmacology text. No doses appear, which keeps the post focused on reasoning. Each heading answers a question a prescriber would actually ask, which keeps the comparison practical rather than encyclopedic.
DNP 672 Module 1 rubric: what earns full marks
The syllabus explains that discussions are meant to build critical thinking in diagnosis and prescribing. Faculty are likely to look for accurate pharmacology, a direct comparison across several dimensions, current evidence on effectiveness and tolerability, attention to safety and misuse, and clear reasons for choosing one group over another. Posts earn more when they cite comparative evidence rather than single trials. Linking the comparison to real patient situations, such as co-occurring tics or substance use, shows prescribing judgment. A good reply carries the comparison somewhere new, for instance to adults or to preschoolers, instead of restating the first post. Faculty may also notice whether the writer separates evidence in children from evidence in adults, since the network meta-analysis found different first choices for each.
DNP 672 Module 1 help with common mistakes
A frequent weakness is listing every drug and brand without comparing them. Organize by feature and keep to what changes a prescribing decision. Another is overstating non-stimulant effectiveness; report effect sizes honestly. Mention boxed warnings and controlled-substance rules. If you want help drafting a comparison post for your own board, tell the desk which classes you are comparing. Keep doses out unless your faculty asks for them. Reply to classmates with a patient example from your practicum. Check the current boxed warnings for each drug you name, since labels change, and say in one line why the warning matters for the patient in front of you.
Write yours, or have the desk draft it
This paper is an original model document written by our desk, not a submitted student paper and not an official Arizona State University document. Read it for the moves, then write your own to the instructions in your classroom. If you want one built to your exact prompt and rubric, the first custom sample is free and arrives in 24 to 48 hours.
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DNP 672 Module 1 questions, answered
Where can I find a free DNP 672 Module 1 sample paper?
A complete DNP 672 discussion board 3 sample comparing stimulants and non-stimulants for ADHD, with effect sizes and a reply on substance use, is on this page.
What is the main difference between stimulants and non-stimulants?
Stimulants act quickly and have larger effects but are controlled substances, while non-stimulants work more slowly with smaller effects and no misuse potential.
Which ADHD medication works best in children?
A network meta-analysis suggested methylphenidate as the first choice in children and adolescents and amphetamines in adults.
When would a non-stimulant be chosen first for ADHD?
When a family declines stimulants, when there is substance misuse risk, when side effects occur or when tics or anxiety are also present.
How much are DNP 672 discussion boards worth?
The posted syllabus lists eleven discussion boards that together count for 30% of the grade.