"We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns."
(Feb. 10, 2006)An FDA panel cites heart risks in its advisory on Ritalin and similar medications."This is out-of-control use of drugs that have profound cardiovascular consequences," said Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and member of the panel. "We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns." (L.A. Times)What are some concerns on the use of medications for treating ADD / ADHD?Warning Urged for ADHD Drugs (Feb. 10, 2006)An FDA panel cites heart risks in its advisory on Ritalin and similar medications."This is out-of-control use of drugs that have profound cardiovascular consequences," said Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and member of the panel. "We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns." (L.A. Times)Hyperactive children across North America are regularly put on Ritalin and similar drugs that appear to work miracles on the disruptive and impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD / ADHD. Many believe that the benefits in terms of academic achievement and social behavior warrant the possible risks. However, there are also many concerns about the use of medications for ADHD, and as studies continue to monitor their effects, the controversy grows.According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, “Pharmacologically, it works on the neurotransmitter dopamine, and in that respect resembles the stimulant characteristics of cocaine.” Ritalin, like cocaine and the street drug, “crystal meth” (methamphetamine), are classified as Schedule II substances by the federal government’s Controlled Substances Act, which defines the second most highly controlled chemicals with these criteria:(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.(B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.(C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.A myriad of questions have been raised about medications that some children take for many years:Are the medications used to treat an immediate problem and then discontinued? When will the child outgrow the need for the drug?Are children are being taught that a pill can solve all their problems?What is known about the long term efficacy of the drugs?What is known about the long term safety of the drugs?Even if children appear to do better in class, is there evidence that they will really do better in life?What about the recent FDA warnings on one of the most popular drugs?Strattera, a popular ADD / ADHD medication, will carry a "black box" warning for two problems:the drug might increase suicidal thoughts in children and adolescentsthe drug could cause liver problems in a small percentage of patientsWhat is the philosophy underlying the use of medications for ADD / ADHD?Many experts believe medications should be used like casts are used to fix broken bones. The cast is put on only until the bone heals. If it were left on, muscles around the bone atrophy and weaken. Mostly kids should use the medicines only until their behavioral problems are under control. Even when medications are advised, they should never be used as the exclusive treatment for ADHD. Additional interventions (such as behavior management, parenting skills, and classroom accommodations) are strongly recommended. See Helpguide’s articles on Parenting a Child with ADD / ADHD: Strategies for Family and Home and Teaching a Child with ADD / ADHD: Tips for Parents and Teachers.What is the age of children being treated with ADHD medications?Originally, ADHD medications were prescribed for school-age children, and use was generally discontinued at adolescence. In recent years, these medications have been prescribed at younger ages, and have been extended through adolescence and into adulthood. Although even the manufacturer of Ritalin specifically indicates that “Ritalin should not be used in children under six years, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established,” some doctors are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications for children as young as age two.What are the long-term effects of medications for ADD / ADHD?Although Ritalin was introduced in the 1950s as a treatment for narcolepsy (a condition in which a person suddenly falls asleep), and was first used for treatment of ADHD in the 1960s, 40 years later there still have not been studies of the long-term effects.According to the Canadian Medical Association, “… while research has conclusively proven Ritalin's short-term effectiveness; little is known about the long-term efficacy and safety of a drug that some children take for many years. In fact, the average duration of randomized trials of the drug is 3.3 weeks … There aren't long-term studies, and that's of some concern because we don't know whether the initial positive effects . . . might diminish over time. Moreover, we don't know what happens to the side-effects . . . whether those get worse or maybe they diminish too - we don't really know."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates in a recent report:“… Moreover, persistent and negative side effects of stimulants have been documented, including sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, and suppressed growth, which might have important health implications for the millions of children who are currently taking medication for ADHD.”“Continued monitoring and community-based research activities that focus on sociodemographic and geographic variation in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are needed.”The National Institutes of Health most recent report, Early Ritalin Exposure May Cause Long-Term Effects on the Brain (December 2004), suggests that “… misdiagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with prescription drug use in children may lead to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in adulthood.”Do children taking ADD / ADHD medications grow up to be more successful?The lack of long-term studies on the drug means science doesn't know whether children who have taken Ritalin grow up to be more successful adults than children with ADHD who didn't take the drug.The Wall Street Journal article What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? states:“Some researchers now wonder if would-be Einsteins and Edisons will choose different career paths because their creativity and drive are dulled by ADHD drugs. They also worry that the stigma of being labeled with ADHD could lead some kids to lose confidence, and dream smaller dreams.”A person who focuses better taking Ritalin can be "like a horse with blinders, plodding along. He's moving forward, getting things done, but he's less open to inspiration."Are ADHD medications prescribed because of misdiagnosis or pressure on parents, or used as “chemical restraints” for special populations?ADHD is defined by behavioral symptoms. There is no specific test for ADHD. Behaviors that are common to ADHD may be caused by a variety of other sources, such as domestic violence, alcoholism in the family, inadequate parenting, ineffective behavior management, poor attachment to a stable caregiver, or a number of other medical conditions. The symptoms of ADHD are on a continuum that could be interpreted differently by any particular parent, teacher or physician. What one person would consider normally active for a child might be seen by someone else as hyperactive. What one adult can tolerate or handle might be seen by another adult as impossible behavior. See Helpguide’s ADD / ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and the Difficulties for more information.Two articles, readin', ritin' and ritalin and Just Say Yes to Ritalin!, conclude that there is significant pressure on parents to put their children on a drug regimen so that overactive kids will behave better in school and be better students. There are additional concerns that medications are often misused or overused as “chemical restraints,” as reported in an American Bar Association article which discusses the use of ADHD medication for behavior control in foster care, juvenile corrections, psychiatric facilities and group homes.What are the medications for treating ADHD?StimulantsThe most common medications for treating ADHD are stimulants. Stimulants have been the longest in use for treatment of ADHD, and have the most research studies on their effects. Although some have been used on children as young as age 3, most are recommended for age 6 or older. Long-term studies on the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD lean toward the discontinuation during adolescence, due to possible growth inhibition.Stimulants for the treatment of ADHD may be shorter or longer acting formulations. Short/intermediate acting stimulants require dosages 2-3 times a day, while long acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and can be taken once a day, thus not requiring a dose at school.There are four main types of stimulants used for treatment of ADHD:amphetamines (Adderall)methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate)dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)pemoline (Cylert - less commonly prescribed because can cause liver damage)Non-stimulantThe newest medication for treatment of ADHD is Strattera. This medication is a reuptake inhibitor that acts on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (which affects blood pressure and blood flow) in the same way that antidepressants act on the neurotransmitter seratonin, allowing the natural chemical to remain longer in the brain before being drawn back up. Because it is a non-stimulant, it may be less objectionable to some families. Nevertheless, it has similar side effects as other medications used for ADHD.Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicationsIn some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed either in addition to or instead of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD. Most often, this determination is based on other symptoms, beyond those typical of ADHD alone. Antidepressants most commonly affect the neurotransmitters seratonin or norepinephrine. There have been recent concerns regarding the safety of some antidepressants, such as Paxil and Zoloft, particularly for adolescents or children. See Helpguide’s Medications for Treating Depression and Anxiety: Making Informed Choices for a discussion of antidepressants.Antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medicationsFor certain conditions that include symptoms of ADHD, other medications may be prescribed. With a few exceptions for seizure disorders, antipsychotic medications are not prescribed for children and most mood stabilizers are not recommended for children or adolescents.What are some of the side effects of medications for ADHD?Side effects most commonly include:decreased appetite or weight lossheadachesupset stomach, nausea or vomitinginsomnia or sleep difficultiesjitteriness, nervousness, or irritabilitylethargy, dizziness, or drowsinesssocial withdrawalAll medications have side effects, and sometimes a change in dosage, brand or type of medication will allow for the usefulness of the medication while reducing the side effects. One problem with medications for ADHD is that they are most often prescribed for young children, who usually will not be able to accurately report side effects. This is one of the concerns about prescribing any medications for children.What is the role of medications in the treatment of ADD in adults?Some of the newer medications are touted for their use with adults, and some of the well-known authors of books on ADHD have found that Ritalin, Strattera, or other drugs have been helpful to them. However, all drugs should be approached with caution, as they have side effects that may prove to be more difficult than the problem they are supposed to be treating, and new cautions are added as studies indicate additional difficulties (see Strattera warning in box above). See Helpguide’s Adult ADD / ADHD: Strategies to Manage Well at Home and at Work for information regarding psychotherapy and a variety of self-help strategies. For those who decide to try medications, it is wise to:Educate yourself thoroughly about the drugs available, the potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications you take.Follow directions closely, starting with a very small dose and increasing gradually, according to the doctor’s schedule.Pay attention to your body, emotions, and actions to determine if any negative side effects are occurring.Ask your doctor for specific instructions for decreasing and/or terminating use – these drugs need to be tapered off, not stopped suddenly.Part I of this eBook addresses the symptoms and diagnosis of ADD / ADHD. Part II is filled with practical non-drug tips and suggestions for parenting and teaching a child with ADD / ADHD and for managing your own adult ADD. It also addresses the controversies surrounding medications for children. See eBook contents below.References and resources for ADHD and medicationsGeneral information about medications for ADHDMental Health in the United States: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder --- United States, 2003 – Extensive September 2005 report on diagnosis and medication treatment for children ages 4 – 17. Report includes extensive statistics by age, state and gender. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Children and Psychiatric Medication – A series of articles and research regarding children and psychotropic medications, as well as information on other treatments. Includes a list of suggested questions parents should ask before agreeing to psychiatric medication treatment for their children and adolescents. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)What are the medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? – Article addresses the common medications for children and adults. Includes determining a correct regimen, side effects, long term complications and concerns for abuse. (University of Maryland Medical Center)Treating ADHD With Medication – Provides chart listing common medications used to treat ADHD along with precautions and side effects. (Health A to Z)Evidence-based Medication Management for Children and Adolescents with AD/HD – Detailed "fact sheet" includes a comprehensive overview of the medications used to treat ADHD including the form, dosage, duration of action, effectiveness and possible side effects. (CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)Misuse, overuse and abuse of medications for childrenLittle Known About Safety of Long-Term Ritalin Use, Study Warns – Article by Helen Branswell addresses claims that studies on Ritalin use are too short to pick up problems. Also addresses concerns that medications mask symptoms and do not get to the root of behavioral problems. (The Canadian Press)Ritalin – Addresses short-term and long-term effects of ritalin. (Partnership for a Drug-Free America)Early Ritalin Exposure May Cause Long-Term Effects on the Brain – A new study suggests that the misdiagnosis of ADHD combined with prescription drug use in children may lead to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in adulthood. (McLean Hospital)readin', ritin' and ritalin – Article by Arthur Allen addresses the question: Do drugs such as Ritalin and Prozac help children or just help them meet increasing pressures to perform with less parental support? (Salon.com)Just Say Yes to Ritalin! – Article by Lawrence H. Diller M.D. addresses the ways parents are being pressured or ordered by schools to medicate their kids with behavior problems (Salon.com)What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? – Examines the effects of Ritalin and other ADHD drugs on active kids and questions what effects these drugs might have had if some famous people had taken them. (Overmatter.com - reprint of W all Street Journal article)Children and Psychotropic Drugs: What's an attorney to do? – A report from a children's attorney regarding concerns on the amount of psychotropic drugs and number of children being medicated in foster care, juvenile corrections, psychiatric facilities and group homes, as a method of behavior control and/or "chemical restraint." Includes information on safety and efficacy, exploring other therapeutic techniques, and recommendations for preparing cases, should legal intervention prove necessary. (American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law)Safety WarningsFDA Requires Label for ADHD Medication Strattera To Include Black Box Warning – Strattera, an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment manufactured by Eli Lilly, will carry a "black box" warning based on a review of earlier clinical trials that found the drug might increase suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. (California Healthline)Eli Lilly Warns of Liver Damage Associated With ADHD Medication Strattera – Strattera could cause liver problems in a small percentage of patients and placed a boldface warning on the drug's label and in prescribing information to alert doctors of the possible side effect (California Healthline)Book referenceSCATTERED MINDS: A New Look At The Origins And Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Mate – Website contains summary of the book and free downloads for five chapters (Scatteredminds.com)eBook contents: Recognizing and Managing ADD / ADHDPart I – Symptoms, Diagnosis, & CausesSigns and Symptoms of ADD or ADHDAdult ADD / ADHD: Recognizing the Symptoms and Managing the EffectsADD / ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and the DifficultiesCauses of ADHD or ADDPart II – Managing ADD / ADHD in Children & AdultsParenting a Child with ADD / ADHD: Strategies for Family and HomeTeaching a Child with ADD / ADHD: Tips for Parents and TeachersProfessional Help for Children with ADD / ADHDMedications for Treating ADD/ ADHD: Risks, Benefits, and RegimensSelf-Help for Adults with ADD / ADHDProfessional Help for Adults with ADD / ADHDRobert Segal, M.A., Jaelline Jaffe, Ph.D., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., contributed to this article. Last modified on: 2/9/06.
(Feb. 10, 2006)An FDA panel cites heart risks in its advisory on Ritalin and similar medications."This is out-of-control use of drugs that have profound cardiovascular consequences," said Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and member of the panel. "We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns." (L.A. Times)What are some concerns on the use of medications for treating ADD / ADHD?Warning Urged for ADHD Drugs (Feb. 10, 2006)An FDA panel cites heart risks in its advisory on Ritalin and similar medications."This is out-of-control use of drugs that have profound cardiovascular consequences," said Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and member of the panel. "We have got a potential public health crisis. I think patients and families need to be made aware of these concerns." (L.A. Times)Hyperactive children across North America are regularly put on Ritalin and similar drugs that appear to work miracles on the disruptive and impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD / ADHD. Many believe that the benefits in terms of academic achievement and social behavior warrant the possible risks. However, there are also many concerns about the use of medications for ADHD, and as studies continue to monitor their effects, the controversy grows.According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, “Pharmacologically, it works on the neurotransmitter dopamine, and in that respect resembles the stimulant characteristics of cocaine.” Ritalin, like cocaine and the street drug, “crystal meth” (methamphetamine), are classified as Schedule II substances by the federal government’s Controlled Substances Act, which defines the second most highly controlled chemicals with these criteria:(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.(B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.(C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.A myriad of questions have been raised about medications that some children take for many years:Are the medications used to treat an immediate problem and then discontinued? When will the child outgrow the need for the drug?Are children are being taught that a pill can solve all their problems?What is known about the long term efficacy of the drugs?What is known about the long term safety of the drugs?Even if children appear to do better in class, is there evidence that they will really do better in life?What about the recent FDA warnings on one of the most popular drugs?Strattera, a popular ADD / ADHD medication, will carry a "black box" warning for two problems:the drug might increase suicidal thoughts in children and adolescentsthe drug could cause liver problems in a small percentage of patientsWhat is the philosophy underlying the use of medications for ADD / ADHD?Many experts believe medications should be used like casts are used to fix broken bones. The cast is put on only until the bone heals. If it were left on, muscles around the bone atrophy and weaken. Mostly kids should use the medicines only until their behavioral problems are under control. Even when medications are advised, they should never be used as the exclusive treatment for ADHD. Additional interventions (such as behavior management, parenting skills, and classroom accommodations) are strongly recommended. See Helpguide’s articles on Parenting a Child with ADD / ADHD: Strategies for Family and Home and Teaching a Child with ADD / ADHD: Tips for Parents and Teachers.What is the age of children being treated with ADHD medications?Originally, ADHD medications were prescribed for school-age children, and use was generally discontinued at adolescence. In recent years, these medications have been prescribed at younger ages, and have been extended through adolescence and into adulthood. Although even the manufacturer of Ritalin specifically indicates that “Ritalin should not be used in children under six years, since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established,” some doctors are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications for children as young as age two.What are the long-term effects of medications for ADD / ADHD?Although Ritalin was introduced in the 1950s as a treatment for narcolepsy (a condition in which a person suddenly falls asleep), and was first used for treatment of ADHD in the 1960s, 40 years later there still have not been studies of the long-term effects.According to the Canadian Medical Association, “… while research has conclusively proven Ritalin's short-term effectiveness; little is known about the long-term efficacy and safety of a drug that some children take for many years. In fact, the average duration of randomized trials of the drug is 3.3 weeks … There aren't long-term studies, and that's of some concern because we don't know whether the initial positive effects . . . might diminish over time. Moreover, we don't know what happens to the side-effects . . . whether those get worse or maybe they diminish too - we don't really know."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates in a recent report:“… Moreover, persistent and negative side effects of stimulants have been documented, including sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, and suppressed growth, which might have important health implications for the millions of children who are currently taking medication for ADHD.”“Continued monitoring and community-based research activities that focus on sociodemographic and geographic variation in ADHD diagnosis and treatment are needed.”The National Institutes of Health most recent report, Early Ritalin Exposure May Cause Long-Term Effects on the Brain (December 2004), suggests that “… misdiagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with prescription drug use in children may lead to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in adulthood.”Do children taking ADD / ADHD medications grow up to be more successful?The lack of long-term studies on the drug means science doesn't know whether children who have taken Ritalin grow up to be more successful adults than children with ADHD who didn't take the drug.The Wall Street Journal article What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? states:“Some researchers now wonder if would-be Einsteins and Edisons will choose different career paths because their creativity and drive are dulled by ADHD drugs. They also worry that the stigma of being labeled with ADHD could lead some kids to lose confidence, and dream smaller dreams.”A person who focuses better taking Ritalin can be "like a horse with blinders, plodding along. He's moving forward, getting things done, but he's less open to inspiration."Are ADHD medications prescribed because of misdiagnosis or pressure on parents, or used as “chemical restraints” for special populations?ADHD is defined by behavioral symptoms. There is no specific test for ADHD. Behaviors that are common to ADHD may be caused by a variety of other sources, such as domestic violence, alcoholism in the family, inadequate parenting, ineffective behavior management, poor attachment to a stable caregiver, or a number of other medical conditions. The symptoms of ADHD are on a continuum that could be interpreted differently by any particular parent, teacher or physician. What one person would consider normally active for a child might be seen by someone else as hyperactive. What one adult can tolerate or handle might be seen by another adult as impossible behavior. See Helpguide’s ADD / ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and the Difficulties for more information.Two articles, readin', ritin' and ritalin and Just Say Yes to Ritalin!, conclude that there is significant pressure on parents to put their children on a drug regimen so that overactive kids will behave better in school and be better students. There are additional concerns that medications are often misused or overused as “chemical restraints,” as reported in an American Bar Association article which discusses the use of ADHD medication for behavior control in foster care, juvenile corrections, psychiatric facilities and group homes.What are the medications for treating ADHD?StimulantsThe most common medications for treating ADHD are stimulants. Stimulants have been the longest in use for treatment of ADHD, and have the most research studies on their effects. Although some have been used on children as young as age 3, most are recommended for age 6 or older. Long-term studies on the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD lean toward the discontinuation during adolescence, due to possible growth inhibition.Stimulants for the treatment of ADHD may be shorter or longer acting formulations. Short/intermediate acting stimulants require dosages 2-3 times a day, while long acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and can be taken once a day, thus not requiring a dose at school.There are four main types of stimulants used for treatment of ADHD:amphetamines (Adderall)methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate)dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)pemoline (Cylert - less commonly prescribed because can cause liver damage)Non-stimulantThe newest medication for treatment of ADHD is Strattera. This medication is a reuptake inhibitor that acts on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (which affects blood pressure and blood flow) in the same way that antidepressants act on the neurotransmitter seratonin, allowing the natural chemical to remain longer in the brain before being drawn back up. Because it is a non-stimulant, it may be less objectionable to some families. Nevertheless, it has similar side effects as other medications used for ADHD.Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicationsIn some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed either in addition to or instead of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD. Most often, this determination is based on other symptoms, beyond those typical of ADHD alone. Antidepressants most commonly affect the neurotransmitters seratonin or norepinephrine. There have been recent concerns regarding the safety of some antidepressants, such as Paxil and Zoloft, particularly for adolescents or children. See Helpguide’s Medications for Treating Depression and Anxiety: Making Informed Choices for a discussion of antidepressants.Antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medicationsFor certain conditions that include symptoms of ADHD, other medications may be prescribed. With a few exceptions for seizure disorders, antipsychotic medications are not prescribed for children and most mood stabilizers are not recommended for children or adolescents.What are some of the side effects of medications for ADHD?Side effects most commonly include:decreased appetite or weight lossheadachesupset stomach, nausea or vomitinginsomnia or sleep difficultiesjitteriness, nervousness, or irritabilitylethargy, dizziness, or drowsinesssocial withdrawalAll medications have side effects, and sometimes a change in dosage, brand or type of medication will allow for the usefulness of the medication while reducing the side effects. One problem with medications for ADHD is that they are most often prescribed for young children, who usually will not be able to accurately report side effects. This is one of the concerns about prescribing any medications for children.What is the role of medications in the treatment of ADD in adults?Some of the newer medications are touted for their use with adults, and some of the well-known authors of books on ADHD have found that Ritalin, Strattera, or other drugs have been helpful to them. However, all drugs should be approached with caution, as they have side effects that may prove to be more difficult than the problem they are supposed to be treating, and new cautions are added as studies indicate additional difficulties (see Strattera warning in box above). See Helpguide’s Adult ADD / ADHD: Strategies to Manage Well at Home and at Work for information regarding psychotherapy and a variety of self-help strategies. For those who decide to try medications, it is wise to:Educate yourself thoroughly about the drugs available, the potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications you take.Follow directions closely, starting with a very small dose and increasing gradually, according to the doctor’s schedule.Pay attention to your body, emotions, and actions to determine if any negative side effects are occurring.Ask your doctor for specific instructions for decreasing and/or terminating use – these drugs need to be tapered off, not stopped suddenly.Part I of this eBook addresses the symptoms and diagnosis of ADD / ADHD. Part II is filled with practical non-drug tips and suggestions for parenting and teaching a child with ADD / ADHD and for managing your own adult ADD. It also addresses the controversies surrounding medications for children. See eBook contents below.References and resources for ADHD and medicationsGeneral information about medications for ADHDMental Health in the United States: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder --- United States, 2003 – Extensive September 2005 report on diagnosis and medication treatment for children ages 4 – 17. Report includes extensive statistics by age, state and gender. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Children and Psychiatric Medication – A series of articles and research regarding children and psychotropic medications, as well as information on other treatments. Includes a list of suggested questions parents should ask before agreeing to psychiatric medication treatment for their children and adolescents. (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)What are the medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? – Article addresses the common medications for children and adults. Includes determining a correct regimen, side effects, long term complications and concerns for abuse. (University of Maryland Medical Center)Treating ADHD With Medication – Provides chart listing common medications used to treat ADHD along with precautions and side effects. (Health A to Z)Evidence-based Medication Management for Children and Adolescents with AD/HD – Detailed "fact sheet" includes a comprehensive overview of the medications used to treat ADHD including the form, dosage, duration of action, effectiveness and possible side effects. (CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)Misuse, overuse and abuse of medications for childrenLittle Known About Safety of Long-Term Ritalin Use, Study Warns – Article by Helen Branswell addresses claims that studies on Ritalin use are too short to pick up problems. Also addresses concerns that medications mask symptoms and do not get to the root of behavioral problems. (The Canadian Press)Ritalin – Addresses short-term and long-term effects of ritalin. (Partnership for a Drug-Free America)Early Ritalin Exposure May Cause Long-Term Effects on the Brain – A new study suggests that the misdiagnosis of ADHD combined with prescription drug use in children may lead to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in adulthood. (McLean Hospital)readin', ritin' and ritalin – Article by Arthur Allen addresses the question: Do drugs such as Ritalin and Prozac help children or just help them meet increasing pressures to perform with less parental support? (Salon.com)Just Say Yes to Ritalin! – Article by Lawrence H. Diller M.D. addresses the ways parents are being pressured or ordered by schools to medicate their kids with behavior problems (Salon.com)What If Einstein Had Taken Ritalin? – Examines the effects of Ritalin and other ADHD drugs on active kids and questions what effects these drugs might have had if some famous people had taken them. (Overmatter.com - reprint of W all Street Journal article)Children and Psychotropic Drugs: What's an attorney to do? – A report from a children's attorney regarding concerns on the amount of psychotropic drugs and number of children being medicated in foster care, juvenile corrections, psychiatric facilities and group homes, as a method of behavior control and/or "chemical restraint." Includes information on safety and efficacy, exploring other therapeutic techniques, and recommendations for preparing cases, should legal intervention prove necessary. (American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law)Safety WarningsFDA Requires Label for ADHD Medication Strattera To Include Black Box Warning – Strattera, an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment manufactured by Eli Lilly, will carry a "black box" warning based on a review of earlier clinical trials that found the drug might increase suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. (California Healthline)Eli Lilly Warns of Liver Damage Associated With ADHD Medication Strattera – Strattera could cause liver problems in a small percentage of patients and placed a boldface warning on the drug's label and in prescribing information to alert doctors of the possible side effect (California Healthline)Book referenceSCATTERED MINDS: A New Look At The Origins And Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Mate – Website contains summary of the book and free downloads for five chapters (Scatteredminds.com)eBook contents: Recognizing and Managing ADD / ADHDPart I – Symptoms, Diagnosis, & CausesSigns and Symptoms of ADD or ADHDAdult ADD / ADHD: Recognizing the Symptoms and Managing the EffectsADD / ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and the DifficultiesCauses of ADHD or ADDPart II – Managing ADD / ADHD in Children & AdultsParenting a Child with ADD / ADHD: Strategies for Family and HomeTeaching a Child with ADD / ADHD: Tips for Parents and TeachersProfessional Help for Children with ADD / ADHDMedications for Treating ADD/ ADHD: Risks, Benefits, and RegimensSelf-Help for Adults with ADD / ADHDProfessional Help for Adults with ADD / ADHDRobert Segal, M.A., Jaelline Jaffe, Ph.D., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., contributed to this article. Last modified on: 2/9/06.
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