Long-term outcomes of stimulant medication in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Poulton
2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1013-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Mrug ◽  
Brooke S. G. Molina ◽  
Betsy Hoza ◽  
Alyson C. Gerdes ◽  
Stephen P. Hinshaw ◽  
...  

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick C. Jarman

AbstractThe last five years in Australia have been marked by an explosion in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The use of stimulant medication for ADHD has increased exponentially across all states, raising questions about the appropriate role of drug treatment and its relationship to other therapies in these children. Despite widespread consensus that multimodal therapy is the preferred option for intervention, many treatments advocated for ADHD lack scientific evidence to support their use. Because no two children with ADHD or their families are the same, an individualised approach to management is advocated that targets both the primary symptoms of the disorder, its cornorbid pathology, and the secondary problems that have developed. Evidence indicates that stimulant medication used in conjunction with parent training, family support, and school based behaviour modification offers the best prospects for improving the disturbing long-term prognosis in these children.


2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine McElearney ◽  
Carol Fitzpatrick ◽  
Niamh Farrell ◽  
Mary King ◽  
Bryan Lynch

AbstractObjectives: The prescription of stimulant medication to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder remains topical. Few reports target children's views about taking long-term medication. The aim was to assess child and parent views of stimulant medication. To compare attitudes to medication between two groups of children, those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder taking stimulant medication and those with epilepsy taking anti-epileptic medication.Method: Forty children (n = 40) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on stimulant medication, and 40 children (n = 40) with epilepsy on anti-epileptic medication formed the study population. A semi-structured interview was carried out with each child and parent. Each parent completed the Dosage and Side-effects Questionnaire and the Attitude to Medication Questionnaire. Each child completed the Attitude to Medication Questionnaire.Results: Sixty per cent of children (n = 24) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 62.5% (n = 25) of those with epilepsy knew the name and purpose of their medication. Forty per cent (n = 16) of children in the stimulant group and 32.5% (n = 13) in the anti-epileptic group reported themselves as being non-compliant with medication. In both groups children reported positive aspects to taking medication. More children with epilepsy reported negative aspects. Only 32.5% (n = 13) of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder said that they would tell a friend about their medication, while 55% (n = 22) of the children with epilepsy indicated that they would do so. In both groups parents were better informed than their children were about the purpose of the medication. Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tended to be more positive about medication than their children and than the parents in the comparison group.Conclusions: The majority of children and their parents express positive views about the stimulant medication. Children's views about medication compliance and side-effects should be sought, as they may differ significantly from those of their parents. Where parents have noticed positive changes, but children have not, this information can be used therapeutically to help children feel more in control of their behaviour.


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