Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Treatment of ADHD with Stimulants Not Indicative of Future Substance Abuse

A new study indicates that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder treated with stimulant drugs are not at increased risk for substance abuse as adolescents or young adults.

Prior research on individuals treated with stimulants for ADHD has produced mixed results as to whether or not these individuals are at increased risk for future drug and/or alcohol abuse.

The most recent study, which is set for publication in the American Journal of Psychiatry included 100 male adolescents and young adults, 10 years after they were initially diagnosed as having ADHD.

The results of the study indicated that 73% of all participants had been treated with stimulant in the past for ADHD and 22% were currently being treated with stimulant drugs.

The results indicated that participants treated with stimulant drugs for ADHD were neither at increased or decreased risk for developing alcohol and/or drug use problems in the future.

The authors of this study assert this study is unique because it is the largest longitudinal study of its kind and takes into account the diagnosis of Conduct Disorder, which is associated with substance abuse.

No comments: