Edmund Higgins, a clinical associate professor of family medicine and psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, expressed his concern about the long-term use of ADHD medication in an article that appeared in the July 2009 edition of the journal Scientific American Mind.

A smattering of recent studies, most of them involving animals, hint that stimulants could alter the structure and function of the brain in ways that may depress mood, boost anxiety and, contrary to their short-term effects, lead to cognitive deficits.

Human studies already indicate the medications can adversely affect areas of the brain that govern growth in children, and some researchers worry that additional harms have yet to be unearthed. ...

In light of the emerging evidence, many doctors and researchers are recommending a more cautious approach to the medical use of stimulants.

Some are urging the adoption of strict diagnostic criteria for ADHD and a policy restricting prescriptions for individuals who fit those criteria. Others are advocating behavior modification -- which can be as effective as stimulants over the long run -- as a first-line approach to combating the disorder.

Labels: medications, long_term_effects

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Nathan Herring is an adult who was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in third grade. He was put on Ritalin, and says it helped him focus and behave better at home. Even with positive stories like this, though, some parents are hesitant about putting their children on ADHD medication. Jean Enerson of King 5 News in Seattle, Washington, addressed this topic in a May 10 segment:

[Dr. Chris Varley] says a child on ADHD medication should stick with it for a year to see if it helps. Be sure your child's doctor tells you about side effects ...

"You should be measuring on a regular basis their height and weight, and you also should be measuring, probably as importantly, their pulse and blood pressure," said Dr. Varley.

Dr. Varley offered these cautions in response to studies that have found long-term use of ADHD medication can affect height and weight, and may exacerbate heart conditions.

There are no clear "one-size-fits-all" answers about whether or not a child should use prescription medication, and parents are encouraged to consult with a variety of experts to ensure that they have all necessary information to make informed decisions about their children's use of ADHD medications.

Labels: medications, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder, long_term_effects

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At the outset, not treating someone with ADHD may seem to save money; no paying for expensive medications or therapy treatments. But in the long run, untreated ADHD takes a high toll on a nation - both socially and economically.

"'It's not going to cost now, but in the long run if you don't treat it, then adult ADHD causes lost time from work,' [Rosemary Tannock] said. Tannock said neurodevelopment immaturity leads to academic disengagement and underachievement in toddlers and escalates to low self-esteem in school and an increased chance of risky behavior."

Though symptoms may diminish as someone gets older, ADHD doesn't disappear altogether. Adults who have a genetic disposition for ADHD and also smoke are at an increased risk of having children with ADHD. And if the adults don't learn how to treat their own ADHD, they'll have a harder time finding help for their child.

Labels: long_term_effects, losses, untreated

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In the largest study of its kind ever to be conducted, researchers will be looking into possible correlations between ADHD medication and cardiovascular risks. Supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, researchers will study the clinical data of about 500,000 people (adults and children) who have treated ADHD with medication.

"Because medications used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure, there are concerns about the drugs' potential to increase cardiac risks. It is also thought these risks may be different for adults and children, but more evidence is needed about the long-term effects of using ADHD medications."

The study will be coordinated by Vanderbilt University and will analyze the effects of every drug that is currently used to treat ADHD. Completion of the study is expected to take two years.

Pine Ridge Academy is a small, therapeutic boarding school that offers individual academic instruction in their boarding school for troubled teens.

Labels: medications, long_term_effects, side_effects

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A study that began in 1999 has revealed slower growth and weight gain in children who take Ritalin. On average, kids with ADHD who took Ritalin to manage the condition's effects weight 4.4 pounds less, and were an inch shorter than kids who didnt take the medication.

"Whether these kids eventually grow to normal size remains a question. Kids entered the study in 1999 at ages 7 to 9. The current report is a snapshot taken three years later. The 10-year results - when kids are at their adult height - won't be in for two more years."

The findings appear to end years of debate over short- and long-term physical effects of Ritalin. Read more at CBSNews.com.

Ritalin, a medication for ADD, is becoming a popular drug that teens are abusing. Teen drug abuse is a serious issue, even when it comes to prescription drugs. Learn about the rise of prescription drug abuse in teens at Teen-Help-Directory.com.

Labels: medications, long_term_effects, development

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A team of scientists from New York's Weill Cornell Medical College recently conducted a study to determine if Ritalin has any long-term effects on the brain. They used rats, which were divided into two groups, one was injected with Ritalin doses for a month, and the other received no treatment.

"The scientists noticed some subtle, short-term structural changes in the rats' brains immediately after Ritalin treatment ended. But those differences werent major, and they faded within three months."

The results of the study were published in The Journal of Neuroscience, and though they were positive, researches don't yet know if the findings apply to people. Read more at MedicineNet.com.

Did your child attend a special camp this summer? Give them the same specialized academic program this school year - Talisman Camps' also offers semester-long academic programs for children with ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, and other non-verbal learning disorders.

Labels: medications, long_term_effects, brain_chemistry

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