Australian study casts doubts over ADHD medications
Published: February 18, 2021
A study performed in Western Australia investigated just how effective ADHD medications (like Ritalin and dexamphetamine) really are.
According to The West Australian, 131 children between the ages of five and 14 were followed throughout the study, which claims that those children taking ADHD medication were 10 times as likely to be classified as “performing below average” by their teachers than children with ADHD who were not taking medication. In fact, the study shows that students taking ADHD medication performed significantly worse than children with ADHD who were not on medication.
The children taking the medications were also found to have “significantly” higher diastolic blood pressure, something that could affect their hearts in the long run.
“While these differences were small, the results suggest that doctors should look at a child’s cardiovascular risk symptoms before starting treatment with stimulant medication,” study co-author and researcher Lou Landau told The West Australian.
Lou Landau also told the AAP, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald, that he was not expecting such negative results. “Yes, we weren’t anticipating that significant effect … or the significant lack of effect of the medication,” he said.
The researchers found medications also did not improve social or emotional wellbeing, the West Australian reports, nor did it improve the children’s academic work.
Overall, the study concluded there was “little long-term benefit of stimulant medication” for children with ADHD.
Celebrities with ADHD include Jim Carrey, Ty Pennington, Will Smith, Michael Phelps and Jamie Oliver.
Image: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1160103
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Glen
20. Apr, 2010
Never mind all the hundreds of studies that show stimulant medication works well for ADHD… Leave it to the Australians to come up with what so many people would rather hear.
Over the past 20 years I have seen 1000′s of ADHD kids and adults benefit tremendously from meds.
Statistics can be manipulated or corrupted in many different ways. Beware of a study that contradicts the vast majority of similar studies.
obesity statistics
23. Jul, 2010
There are some great shows on TV which cover subject such as obesity statistics but most of us don’t have time to watch them so it’s good that we can find information like this on the net.
obesity statistics
23. Jul, 2010
Oh my word, are you really suggesting what I think you are? Well I suppose we’re all entitled to our views and even if I don’t agree with you then atleast you’ve presented yours clearly and succintly.
obesity statistics
23. Jul, 2010
When googling obesity statistics, I found some more interesting results on some of the later pages. It’s where I found Australian study casts doubts over ADHD medications - Health Conditions - Celebrities with diseases. I think it’s always worthwhile going past the first and second page on google if you’ve got the time.
obesity statistics
23. Jul, 2010
On Friday I went into my local town and it struck me how many people must be affected by obesity/ It really got me thinking about the link between fast food and obesity, particularly because I saw so many overweight people munching as they ambled about. I wanted to say “stop eating and get moving” but I know it’s not always that simple!
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01. Sep, 2010
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