October 1, 2011
Use of Stimulants for ADHD Growing Steady through the Years: Report
Researchers said that when rate of prevalence of ADHD is compared with use of such medications, it appears that many children with ADHD are not using stimulants. Researchers noted that those with severe symptoms are more likely to be taking stimulants, while those who have mild symptoms are likely to be treated with psychosocial therapies which do not involve stimulant use.
According to the data, prescribed stimulant use increased significantly during the 1990’s, peaking in 2002 where it hovered at 2.9 percent. Recent reports show that figures continues to rise, and in 2007, around 9.5 percent of children aged 4-17 years with ADHD are using prescribed stimulants.
“Stimulant medications work well to control ADHD symptoms, but they are only one method of treatment for the condition. Experts estimate that about 60 percent of children with ADHD are treated with medication,” said Benedetto Vitiello, M.D of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) who is also the co-author of the study.
Most users of prescribed stimulants are aged 6-12 years old, but the fastest growth occurred among those who are aged 13-18 years old. “This continuous increase among teens likely reflects a recent realization that ADHD often persists as children age. They do not always grow out their symptoms,” said Dr. Vitellio.
The data shows that boys are still more likely to be prescribed with stimulants than girls, and whites more than blacks or Hispanics. But still, prescribed stimulant use is increasing among racial and ethnic minorities.
ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by attentional problems and hyperactivity. It is becoming more common among children, affecting 3 to 5 percent globally. In addition, significant number of children continues to have the condition as adults.
Here is the link for the original article:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2011/prescribed-stimulant-use-for-adhd-continues-to-rise-steadily.shtml?WT.mc_id=rss
Filed under Attention Deficit Disorders, Mental Illness by on Oct 1st, 2011. Comment. 
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Comments on Use of Stimulants for ADHD Growing Steady through the Years: Report
I have long been a subscriber to the use of less prescription stimulants rather than more. The controversy over the use of prescription stimulants, however, does not appear to slow down their use. We know enough about remedies that are plant based that would not have the irreversible effects of prescription stimulants if they are found not to help a person’s illness. Information needs to be more broadly available to all involved with
ADD/ADHD that provided greater understanding of the illness and that encourages a greater use of treatments other than prescription stimulants. Finally, I believe that we need a definition of “normalcy” for ADD/ADHD sufferers which is different from that of “normal” individuals. We should not require ADD/ADHD sufferers to behave in sililar ways as those who do not experience their situation. That may well help to lessen the use of prescription stimulants that simply subdue physical activity.