Second, because a fairly large percentage of kids who take methylphenidate (about 25%, based on this study) may experience minor and short-lived problems such as difficulty with appetite and sleep, parents should be prepared to see these effects in their children. So what does this mean for parents trying to decide whether their child should take ADHD medication? First, they don't need to worry about whether taking the most widely prescribed medication - methylphenidate - will cause serious, long-term problems. The good news is that there was no evidence that methylphenidate increases serious side effects, which would include life-threatening problems - that is, something that would require a hospital stay or result in a life-long condition. These side effects are considered "non-serious adverse effects." However, if you're a parent of a child who isn't sleeping or eating, these may seem quite serious. On the other hand, there was some evidence that methylphenidate comes with the risk of side effects, including sleep problems and decreased appetite. In addition, parents reported a better quality of life for the family when their children were taking medication. In other words, teachers reported fewer symptoms of ADHD and better general behavior when kids with ADHD were taking the medication. Their analysis found that methylphenidate did improve children's performance in the classroom. What we've learned about methylphenidateįor the study, the investigators reviewed hundreds of papers that had examined the effects of methylphenidate for ADHD. Although it has been used for over 50 years to treat ADHD - and studies have found it to be effective in decreasing the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity - there had been no comprehensive, systematic reviews of the benefits and risks of this drug until this study. It's known by a number of brand names, including Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana, and Quillivant. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD worldwide. I'm a psychologist and I don't prescribe medication, but despite that fact, parents often ask me, "Should my child with ADHD be on medication?" followed by, "What are the downsides of medication?" and then frequently follow up with, "Aren't there too many kids on medication anyway?" A study published last fall in BMJ can help parents and professionals with answers to these questions in terms of the drug methylphenidate, in particular. The symptoms can impair functioning in school and at home, and interfere with forming and keeping friendships. It's a developmental disorder, meaning that the symptoms start in childhood, before the age of 12. Medication is frequently used to treat the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that are associated with the disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders, with prevalence rates around 3%-4%.
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