Effects of ADHD Treatment May Vary Over Time
Effects of ADHD Treatment May Vary Over Time
ADHD Medications Effective, but May Also Stunt Growth
Experts say that although this study doesn't necessarily compare the effectiveness of one ADHD treatment versus another, the fact that it provides long-term data on the effects of treating children with ADHD is significant in itself.
"It is amazing that regardless of how common this condition is, and how often times young people are prescribed medicine for this, there really is such a paucity of long-term effectiveness or safety data," says Robert Findling, MD, director of child and adolescent psychology, University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Findling says this study may also help parents of children with ADHD weigh treatment options.
"Over time, if your child is doing well on [ADHD] medicines, the odds that they should continue on those medicines," says Findling. "It appears that kids who stay on medications do best over time, and with that comes risk of what appears to be risk of a potential for a slight reduction in growth velocity.
"Ultimately at this point, there is no right or wrong," says Findling. "But more important than anything else is that it provides valuable information for parents, physicians, and young patients that will help inform them, and that really ultimately is the answer."
Effects of ADHD Treatment May Vary Over Time
ADHD Medications Effective, but May Also Stunt Growth
Any ADHD Info Is Good Info
Experts say that although this study doesn't necessarily compare the effectiveness of one ADHD treatment versus another, the fact that it provides long-term data on the effects of treating children with ADHD is significant in itself.
"It is amazing that regardless of how common this condition is, and how often times young people are prescribed medicine for this, there really is such a paucity of long-term effectiveness or safety data," says Robert Findling, MD, director of child and adolescent psychology, University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Findling says this study may also help parents of children with ADHD weigh treatment options.
"Over time, if your child is doing well on [ADHD] medicines, the odds that they should continue on those medicines," says Findling. "It appears that kids who stay on medications do best over time, and with that comes risk of what appears to be risk of a potential for a slight reduction in growth velocity.
"Ultimately at this point, there is no right or wrong," says Findling. "But more important than anything else is that it provides valuable information for parents, physicians, and young patients that will help inform them, and that really ultimately is the answer."
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