19. What Are The Medications For Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder?
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
and Other Central Nervous System Stimulants
Some
studies report that between 75% and 83% of children with
an attention deficit disorder will benefit from stimulants.
In general, stimulants have proven to reduce disruptive
behavior and raise intelligence test scores, even in children
who have accompanying disorders, such as autism, pervasive
developmental disorder, and mental retardation. They may
even help children with attention problems due to brain
injury. They are equally effective in boys and girls with
ADHD. Stimulants are not a cure-all, however. They do not,
for example, improve a child's ability to memorize facts
by rote, and a child may still have social problems. Children
who also suffer from anxiety disorders have less success
with stimulants and may need different treatments.
Methylphenidate
(Ritalin ). Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate) is the most
commonly used drug for ADHD. Ritalin needs to be administered
several times a day, making compliance difficult. Metadate,
an extended release form may help. Medication regimens are
generally recommended for hours spent at school with drug
holidays during the evenings, weekends, and vacations. Some
physicians argue, however, that too much emphasis is placed
on improvement only during school hours. When taken in the
morning, the medication usually wears off in the late afternoon;
at this point, a rebound effect can occur and ADHD symptoms
intensify. The family members, whose affection and on-going
support is so important, become victims of the disruptions
generated by rebound, and the quality of life can worsen
for everyone. Some physicians recommend a "homework"
dose given after school to prevent rebound. Under investigation
is a purer form of methylphenidate, which may prove to be
more effective in treating symptoms in children and have
fewer side effects. <SEE
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