A study released this month has found that thousands of Israeli children who have been prescribed Ritalin to treat attention disorders have been improperly diagnosed. Researchers from the Maccabi Health Maintenance Organization say many of the kids have psychological issues, and should not have been prescribed the popular ADHD medications.

Ritalin and the related drug Concerta are popular treatments for attention disorders including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The researchers found that professionals often prescribe these drugs without taking into account their young patients' coexisting conditions. This means that one in five children are receiving treatment they do not need. [Source: Haaretz News]

The study involved 520 children between the ages of six and 18, who were monitored for two years. In all, seventy percent of the patients had conditions such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which werent being treated. The researchers concluded that more than 13 percent of the children who were receiving Ritalin or Concerta shouldn't have been given the drugs.

Labels: medications, research

Posted By: Aspen/CRC