All attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stories

Extended release stimulant effective for long-term ADHD treatment

70652986 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:22:18 -0400

In the October 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a multi- institutional research team reported finding that treatment with Concerta, a once-daily form of the drug methylphenidate, successfully controlled ADHD symptoms in more than 200 children with ADHD. The study was supported by McNeil Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures Concerta.

Ritalin use in childhood may increase depression

70652986 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:34:33 -0400

A study, led by McLean Hospital's William Carlezon and Susan Andersen, found that adult rats given Ritalin as juveniles behaved differently than their placebo-treated counterparts in a host of tests that reflect mood and attention. Published in the Dec. 15, 2003 issue of Biological Psychiatry, the study follows up previous work by the researchers showing that young rats given Ritalin were less likely to find cocaine pleasurable as adults.

Early exposure to Ritalin may blunt desire for cocaine later in life

70652986 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:18:12 -0400

There are several controversies surrounding the use of Ritalin, or methylphenidate, a stimulant prescribed for children who have an abnormally high level of activity or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While Ritalin appears to calm hyperactive children, some worry that it may lead to the abuse of other drugs later in life. However, in a study with rats, Harvard researchers Susan Andersen, William Carlezon, and their colleagues found adult rats that were given Ritalin as juveniles spent less time seeking out cocaine than did their Ritalin-free peers.

Study points to more targeted use of Ritalin

70652986 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:03:59 -0400

An area known as the putamen, located deep in the center of the brain, helps to control movement and attention. Harvard researchers believe that the putamen is involved in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The finding also suggests that Ritalin may not be effective in treating ADHD. When researchers examined hyperactive, inattentive boys with a new type of scanner, they found a reduced flow of blood into the putamen. When doctors gave the drug Ritalin to six of 11 of the boys in the study, blood flow into the putamen increased significantly. The same doses, however, decreased blood flow even further in five other boys.

Paying attention to attention: How active is hyperactive?

70652986 — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:03:57 -0400

McLean Hospital researcher Martin Teicher and his team believe that the surest way to separate youngsters who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from those with other problems is to look at their brain activity. His team carefully monitored the motions of thousands of children, including 700 first- and second-graders. They found that specific patterns of movement distinguish kids with ADHD from those who are normal, depressed, or suffering from traumatic stress disorder as a result of abuse. The researchers found that a marked difference in flow to an area in the center of the brain called the putamen distinguishes ADHD kids from normal kids. The putamen is a brain region principally involved in motor activity and fine movements.