ADHD Treatment May Prevent Later Substance Abuse
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Mark_ProbertBLOC ...@hotmail.com (Mark Probert)
Monday October 29 5:20 PM ET ADHD Treatment May Prevent Later Substance Abuse By Paula Moyer HONOLULU (Reuters Health) - Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be less likely to develop a substance abuse disorder if they receive treatment with a stimulant such as methylphenidate, new study results suggest. The most well known type of methylphenidate is Ritalin.
The findings were presented by Dr. Timothy Wilens at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, held in Hawaii.
``The findings of this (type of study) were the opposite of some of the concerns expressed, which have been that children are more at risk of substance abuse if they get stimulant treatment for ADHD,'' Wilens told Reuters Health. He is an ***ociate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston, M***achusetts.
Wilens and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis--a type of research in which the results of smaller studies are combined--that involved a total of over 1,000 children who had not yet gone through puberty.
When the data from the studies were combined, they showed that children with ADHD who receive stimulant treatment for their disease are half as likely to develop a substance abuse disorder in adolescence and adulthood.
``We don't know why our findings showed reduced risk, because animal models had shown a risk,'' he told Reuters Health. ``In humans we find the opposite to be true. This is a big finding.'' These findings were presented as part of a symposium addressing diverse psychiatric issues that may be ***ociated with substance abuse. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.
"Wyle E. Coyote" wyle_e_coyot...@hotmail.com
One has to be real careful about the results. This was a meta-analysis, and the data in the analysis may not have been the best data or data designed to answer the question asked.
In addition, if the findings hold in subsequent studies, one cannot be sure that the drugs are the cause of the decreased drug use. The kids who are more likely to use drugs might already be out of the medical system, using drugs. In addition, the difference in drug use might have nothing to do with methylphenidate, but rather, the support they have from their physicians and families and other care providers.
None the less, these are welcome findings.
All the best, Wyle ...
Mark_ProbertBLOC ...@hotmail.com (Mark Probert)
On Tue, 30 Oct 2001 20:16:52 -0500, "Wyle E. Coyote" I note your concerns. There have been small studies which indicate that proper treatment prevents drug abuse. I have also seen some studies that indicate just the opposite.
I have heard from many people who have ADHD and a history of drug abuse that they sought to self medicate with ilicit drugs. When they weere properly treated, their abuse stopped.
I read of one case, and I suspect that it is not unique, where an 'intractable cocaine abuser' was successfully treated with MPH and became drug free.
I personally suspect that kids are heavily set-up to become abusers when they have a parent who abuses drugs and they find a need to self-medicate.
My son is extremekt anti-drug. I feel that he benefited from parents who do not even drink, and appropriate treatment.
"Wyle E. Coyote" wyle_e_coyot...@hotmail.com
If he was taking MPH, he was not drug free. Of course, MPH taken in a way that helps him and is legal is much better than coke. Few with disagree with that. Some won't, I guess.
Yes. If they have parents who are drug users, they also are more likely to have a genetic prediposition to use drugs. However, a postitive example by parent clearly helps.
My dad had a Manhatten every night, and then a beer. He would share the beer with us (about a fluid once) every now and then. My mom stuck to just a Manhatten. I have never seen either one of them get drunk. That was a postitive role model as well.
All the best, Wyle
Mark_ProbertBLOC ...@hotmail.com (Mark Probert)
On Wed, 31 Oct 2001 08:48:28 -0500, "Wyle E. Coyote" According to my recollection, the MPH was eventually withdrawn.
"Roger Schlafly" roger_95...@my-dejanews.com
"Wyle E. Coyote" There could be other explanations also. Maybe the kids were satisfied with the buzz they were getting out of ritalin, and didn't need other drugs.
Joe Parsons j...@yankeemedia.net
Using methylphenidate as prescribed does not create a "buzz." I know you are quite aware of this fact and will doubtless continue to post these kinds of li...er, inaccurate and misleading ***ertions, but I believe it's worth saying for the benefit of anyone else who might be reading.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) has the potential for abuse. So do gasoline, spray paint, alcohol and hundreds of other useful substances--but the fact that some people will abuse them in no way negates their appropriate use.
Joe Parsons
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Mark_ProbertBLOC ...@hotmail.com (Mark Probert)
On Wed, 31 Oct 2001 18:13:14 GMT, "Roger Schlafly" One does not get a 'buzz' out of properly administered Ritalin. you knew that, and you lied.
m ...@earthlink.net (Emma Anne)
I get considerably more "buzz" from a strong cup of coffee than I do with my prescribed Ritalin.
"Roger Schlafly" roger_95...@my-dejanews.com
And have you developed a substance abuse disorder? You could suggest that the researchers also look at coffee.
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