ADHD drugs 'do not stunt children's growth,' say AAP

Posted on September 2, 2014

Photo: flickr

The longitudinal study is published in the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) journal Pediatrics.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of children have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But studies in the US indicate that this rate is higher. Recent surveys of parents have found that around 11% of children aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011, totaling 6.4 million.

Children with the disorder usually have difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behavior or are overly active. Though the underlying causes and risk factors for ADHD are not known, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that genetics may play a role.

Additionally, researchers are currently investigating other potential causes and risk factors, including brain injury, environmental exposures, alcohol and tobacco use in pregnancy, premature delivery and low birth rate.

Though it may seem counterproductive to give an overactive child a stimulant, the most commonly used medication for treating ADHD is a type of stimulant medication, which has a calming effect on children with the condition.

According to the CDC, between 70-80% of children with ADHD respond positively to such medications.

'Neither ADHD nor stimulants linked with final adult height'

To investigate whether stimulant medications are associated with final adult height, the researchers examined 340 children with ADHD who were born between 1976-1982 and compared their final height in adulthood with a control group of 680 children who did not have the disorder.

After studying height and stimulant treatment information from medical records and an adult follow-up study, the team found that neither ADHD nor stimulant treatment was associated with final height in adulthood.

To read the full article, please click on the link below.


Category(s):Adult ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Child and/or Adolescent Issues, Inattention, Impulsivity, & Hyperactivity (ADHD)

Source material from Medical News Today