New research reveals that the benefits of ADHD medication far outweigh the risks, with small increases in blood pressure and heart rate being a minor concern compared to the significant advantages of treatment.
Benefits of ADHD Medication Outweigh Health Risks, Study Finds
The benefits of taking drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) outweigh the impact of increases in blood pressure and heart rate, according to a new study. The study found that children taking ADHD medication experienced small increases in blood pressure and pulse rates, but that the drugs had overall small effects.
ADHD medications, also known as psychostimulants, are primarily used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The most commonly prescribed medications include Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse.
These medications work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus and impulse control.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8.7% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD.
The FDA has approved several medications for treating ADHD, including extended-release formulations that provide longer-lasting relief.
Risks and Benefits of ADHD Medication
The risks and benefits of taking any medication must be assessed together. For ADHD drugs, the risk-benefit ratio is reassuring, according to Professor Samuele Cortese, senior lead author of the study from the University of Southampton. The study found that medications used for ADHD treatment were associated with small increases in blood pressure and heart rate, except for guanfacine, which led to decreased blood pressure and heart rate.
Types of ADHD Medications
There are several types of medications used to treat ADHD, including stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine, and non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine. The study found that all ADHD medications were associated with small increases in blood pressure and heart rate, except for guanfacine.
Importance of Careful Monitoring
The researchers advised people with existing heart conditions to discuss the side effects of ADHD medications with a specialist cardiologist before starting treatment. Most clinicians prescribing ADHD medication understood the cardiovascular risks and followed guidelines for monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and weight. However, there is still a need for more detailed guidelines on adjusting or stopping ADHD medication.
ADHD medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, can have several side effects.
Common ones include stomach upset, nausea, and headaches.
Some individuals may experience more severe side effects like anxiety, insomnia, or mood changes.
Long-term use of ADHD medication has been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
In rare cases, ADHD medications can cause serious side effects, including 'liver damage' and seizures.
It's essential for individuals taking ADHD medication to regularly monitor their health with their healthcare provider.
Long-Term Benefits of ADHD Medication
The long-term benefits of ADHD medication are well established, including reduced risk of anxiety and depression, eating disorders, harm from smoking, improved educational outcomes, and economic independence. ‘Ignorance about ADHD medications persists,’ said Dr. Tony Lord, a former chief executive of the ADHD Foundation, ‘but they are not a ‘morality pill’ that makes children behave, as was mistakenly believed in the past.’
Increasing Demand for ADHD Medication
The number of prescriptions issued in England for ADHD medication has risen by 18% year on year since the pandemic, with the biggest rise in London. The NHS is experiencing an ‘avalanche of need’ over autism and ADHD, and the system in place to cope with surging demand is ‘obsolete.’
The demand for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment has been increasing globally, driven by growing awareness and improved diagnosis rates.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 8-10% of children worldwide have ADHD, while 4-5% of adults suffer from the condition.
In the United States alone, it's estimated that over 6 million children are diagnosed with ADHD.
The rising demand for treatment has led to a surge in prescriptions for ADHD medications, which accounted for over $13 billion in sales in 2020.
- theguardian.com | Benefits of ADHD medication outweigh health risks, study finds
