Study By Consumers Union Concludes ADHD Meds Are OVER- Prescribed to Children
- From: "LadyLollipop" <LadyLollipop@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:54:22 GMT
http://www.newsinferno.com/storypages/9-28-2005~001.html
Study by Consumers Union Concludes ADHD Medications are Over-Prescribed to
Children
Date Published: September 28, 2005
Source: Newsinferno.com News Staff
A report by Consumers Union (CU), the publisher of Consumer Reports ,
concludes that while useful, stimulants used to treat millions of children
in the U.S. with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are
probably over-prescribed.
Although the study selected several of the stimulant drugs as "Best Buys,"
it also advised its readers that available evidence indicates most of the
drugs are equally effective.
CU chose several forms of methylphenidate (the substance in the brand-name
drug Ritalin) as a best buy, including Metadate, Methylin, and generic forms
of the drug. It also favored generic forms of dextroamphetamine, which cost
$10 to $48 per month, depending on dosage.
Consumer Reports based its selection on a review of scientific studies to
determine the effectiveness of drugs prescribed for ADHD and then applied
average pricing data. The publishers have previously done similar reviews
for antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers.
The report, however, cautions that many children taking the medication have
only mild symptoms of the disorder or do not have it all. According to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, 4 million
American children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADD
(Attention Deficit Disorder).
This amounts to roughly 6.5% of the population with boys being much more
susceptible than girls. In approximately 65% of the diagnosed cases, the
children are treated with stimulants. Government statistics also indicate
that stimulants are being prescribed to children who have not been diagnosed
with the problem.
The report advises that many factors are involved in diagnosing ADHD
including a series of interviews, an assessment of school performance, and
emotional and learning difficulties.
The article warns parents to be wary if a doctor makes a diagnosis and
prescribes a drug after a single relatively short visit. CU recommends
getting a second opinion if parents question the initial diagnosis.
This advice is echoed by experts who believe more than one doctor or
therapist should be involved in the evaluation.
The stimulants do have negative side-effects including sleeplessness, loss
of appetite, stomach pain, and headaches.
The FDA is currently conducting a review of the reports of more serious
side-effects including psychotic episodes and suicidal thoughts in children
taking Concerta, a brand-name form of methylphenidate.
The agency decided several months ago, however, not to require a warning
about these other potential risks on the drug's label but. It has put off
making a final decision until after the results of the review.
.
- Follow-Ups:
- Prev by Date: Re: A MHA Pool
- Next by Date: Re: A MHA Pool
- Previous by thread: Great Travel Promo
- Next by thread: Re: Study By Consumers Union Concludes ADHD Meds Are OVER- Prescribed to Children
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
