ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — About six million kids in the US are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Of those diagnosed, 90 percent are prescribed stimulant medications to help with their academic performance. But a new study reveals some surprising findings about these drugs’ effectiveness. ADHD medication
Trouble focusing, unable to sit still, problems with paying attention. The symptoms of ADHD can affect a child’s ability to learn in the classroom. Medication has long been thought by some experts to help children with ADHD and their academic performance, but not everyone agrees.
Sabrina Schuck, PhD Executive Director of Child Development Center University of California, Irvine explains, “Medication is not the silver bullet or it’s ineffective.”
Now new research from Florida International University shows that they may be right. In a study on kids with ADHD between the ages of seven and 12, researchers found the students learned the same amount of content whether they were taking medication or a placebo. They also found medication slightly improved test scores if it was taken the day of the test, but not enough to boost grades. This research suggests that there may be cheaper and more effective methods to try first, such as behavioral therapy or even focusing on improving sleep.
Stephen Becker, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center says, “Teens with ADHD have two to three times more difficulties with sleep problems.”
And poor sleep is linked to poor school performance.
Becker explains, “You’re probably going to do less well in school the next day. You’re going to retain less information. You might struggle more during a test.”
Experts say it may be beneficial for kids with ADHD to create a bedtime routine such as brushing teeth, putting on white noise, and keeping phones out of the bedroom.
The researchers in the study did find that the medication helped students with ADHD complete more seatwork and improved their classroom behavior.
Contributors to this news report include: Milvionne Chery, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html, https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-shows-adhd-medication-doesnt-help-kids-learn/
DOES ADHD MEDICATION REALLY HELP KIDS?
REPORT #2999
BACKGROUND: There are many medications available to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The medications prescribed to both children and adults are categorized as stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD. Under this category fall amphetamines along with methylphenidate, the most widely used treatment for ADHD. Nonstimulants are prescribed to patients who don’t tolerate or see benefits from stimulant medications. Approximately 30 percent of patients do not respond to stimulants. There are three nonstimulants approved to treat ADHD: atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulants for use alongside stimulants to treat symptoms that the stimulant does not alleviate.
(Source: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-medication-for-adults-and-children/)
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES: Medications used to treat ADHD have both advantages and disadvantages. By reducing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, medication can help patients to do better at school and work. They can also improve interactions with family members and friends. Treatment with ADHD medication is shown to improve motor vehicle driving skills and lessens the risk of accidents based on results from large medical registry studies of stimulant medications. Consistent use of medication reduces delinquency, substance abuse, criminality, and suicidality. There are two known disadvantages with ADHD medications. One is that they can cause unwanted side effects like insomnia, appetite loss, or nausea. However, these side effects can be controlled by reducing the dose or changing medications. The second disadvantage pertains to stimulant medications, which are addictive substances. Being misused in a way that is not prescribed by a doctor can lead to addiction. They can also be diverted to others for either substance abuse or performance enhancement which is especially problematic for immediate release stimulants.
(Source: https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-adhd-medication/)
ADVANCES IN TREATMENT: The FDA has approved two devices for ADHD treatment in children. The first device is the Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System, a trigeminal nerve stimulator. Whereas the vagal nerve stimulator is used to control epileptic seizures, this therapy does not require surgical insertion. The trigeminal nerve stimulator sits on the face. A small-scale study using data from the device manufacturer suggests that about half of pediatric ADHD patients responded to use of this device. The FDA also approved a digital therapeutic treatment that uses a video game called EndeavorRx to treat ADHD. The sensory stimulus and motor challenges of the game target the neural pathways that control focus and attention. Studies sponsored by the device’s manufacturer suggest that the prescribed use of the game improves attention and has few adverse effects. Both devices may prove to be valuable additions to medication and behavior management, however more evidence of effectiveness is needed in guiding clinical decisions.
(Source: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/advances-in-treatments-for-adhd)
* For More Information, Contact: Sandy Rodriquez
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