Long-Term Treatment of ADHD With Stimulants

Abstract

The study findings underscored the diversity of ADHD patients and that individual factors should be taken into account when tailoring individual treatment schedules. Findings further showed that stimulant dosages are dynamic over time and depend on individual factors, that individual factors influence outcome, and that patients with ADHD should be individually monitored and stimulant dosages adjusted continuously.

The effects of long-term medication on growth in children and adolescents with ADHD: an observational study of a large cohort of real-life patients

“…The mechanisms lying at the root of the increased effect on weight in subjects with ASD remain to be investigated. In a previous paper [ 35 ], we found that autistic subjects did not differ from the other patients regarding CS dosage which rules out dosing differences as an explanation. Their weight z-scores attenuated earlier, and at 72+ months their weight z-scores reached a level significantly above normative data, and CS dosage therefore had almost no long-term impact on weight.…”

“…We expected that CS treatment from an early age would have a larger impact on growth parameters than treatment start at an older age; but, in fact, we saw the opposite. This finding could not be explained by a more cautious titration of dosage among these young starters as they were treated with high dosages [ 35 ]. This contrasts with the literature documenting greater susceptibility to adverse effects among preschool children [ 12 ].…”

“…In a previous paper, we concluded that patients with an IQ below 90 received significantly higher average CS doses, had significantly larger dose increases over time and were being treated with high doses (>1.5 mg/kg) significantly longer and with low doses (<1 mg/kg) significantly less than others. These differences in CS dosage may explain the differences in weight z-scores [ 35 ].…”

“…The characteristics of the population, details regarding the procedures at the ADHD clinic, and the results of the annual growth measurements can be seen in Tables 1 and 2 ; the details have previously been published [ 35 ].…”

Improved quality of life among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is mediated by protective factors: a cross sectional survey

“…Some studies indicate that comorbid anxiety disorders are associated with a lower effect of medication on ADHD symptoms and psychosocial functioning, which leads to discontinuation of medical treatment [ 30 ]. A study of children and adolescents documented that, among treated individuals, about 6% were also treated for emotional disorders [ 77 ]. Some clinical samples of adolescents with ADHD have reported even higher levels of emotional problems [ 78 ].…”