Monday, August 11, 2003

ADHD Treatment Discourages Children From Drug Abuse Later
Story at InteliHealth - "Treatment with stimulants such as Ritalin halves the chances that a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will become a drug or alcohol abuser later, according to several studies reported here over the weekend. Although some animal research suggests that stimulants can 'prime' the brain for addiction, the medications 'help protect kids, reducing their risk for later substance use. . . . But they do not immunize them' against drug or alcohol problems, says psychiatrist Timothy Wilens of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He spoke on a panel at the American Psychological Association meeting."