Article on benefits of stimulant medications for children with ADHD, how stimulant medications work, side-effects of stimulant medication, and addiction to stimulant medications.

It has been shown in numerous studies that stimulant medication provides significant benefit to between 70 and 80% of children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The most commonly prescribed medication used to treat ADHD is Ritalin (the generic form is called methylphenidate), although other stimulant medications are also used including Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine.. Available evidence suggests that stimulants work by correcting a biochemical condition in the brain that interferes with attention and impulse control.

"What benefits can stimulant medications produce?"

The beneficial effects of stimulant medication treatment can be dramatic. Attention to class work can improve to the extent that the child is no longer distinguishable from classmates; activity level can decline to within normal limits and impulsivity can be substantially reduced. Even associated difficulties such as disruptive behavior and peer relationship problems sometimes show dramatic improvement. Interactions between parent and child and between the child and his or her siblings have also been shown to improve. Academically, many children show clear improvements in the quantity and quality of the work they complete. It remains to be seen, however, whether these short term changes result in long term gains in children’s academic, behavioral, and social functioning.

"How long does it take stimulant medications to work?"

The effects produced by stimulant medication occur quickly, and parents and teachers often observe an improvement in the child almost right away. The beneficial effects of stimulant medication vary in length depending on the child and the type of stimulant, (i.e. Adderall, Dexedrine, and Cylert last longer than Ritalin) but are generally gone within 3-8 hours. For this reason, children often require several doses during the day.

"How extensively has the use of stimulant medication been studied?"

The efficacy and safety of stimulant medication for treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have been documented in over 150 controlled studies involving children, adolescents, and adults. Despite the impressive empirical support for stimulant treatment, several cautions should noted. These include the following:

• Most studies have been conducted with school age children and the available evidence with other age groups is more limited. Stimulants appear to be quite effective with adolescents but less helpful with most preschoolers. Available data indicates that many adults with ADHD will also benefit.
• Over 80% of studies done prior to 1997 examined the efficacy of methylphenidate (the generic name for Ritalin) and few well-controlled studies on other stimulant medications To date, however, there is little evidence of differential effectiveness for different stimulants.
• Almost all studies are very brief - not more than a few weeks duration at most - and the magnitude of long term benefits resulting from stimulant medication treatment are not clearly documented.

Most studies have been restricted to Caucasian males and less is known about the efficacy and safety of stimulant medication with females and minorities. To date, however, there is no reason to expect substantially different results in these populations.

"What kinds of side-effects are associated with stimulant medication?"

As with any medication, stimulant medication used in treating ADHD children can produce adverse side-effects in some children. These can include: sleep difficulties, stomachaches, headaches, appetite reduction, drowsiness, irritability, nervousness, and excessive staring among others. In rare cases, stimulant medication can lead to nervous tics, hallucinations, and bizarre behavior.

The list of possible side-effects can be scary to parents considering the use of medication for their child, but it is important to emphasize that the vast majority of children with ADHD experience no adverse effects. Based on the findings from many carefully controlled studies, physicians have concluded that when properly employed stimulant medication is safe and the side effects are minimal. When side-effects do occur they are frequently short-lived and often disappear when the dosage is reduced. Despite these data, however, it is obviously important for parents to discuss their questions and concerns with their child’s physician.