Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Use Research Articles

Potential effects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication on body height and body weight in a longitudinal pediatric cohort study, the LIFE Child study.

Purpose: To investigate the potential impact of drugs for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on body weight and height in children and adolescents from the LIFE ('Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases', Leipzig, Germany) Child cohort. Methods: We included 2,115 participants aged ≥6 to <18.25 years who attended the LIFE study center between 2011 and 2020 in our analysis, of whom 48 used ADHD drugs. Anthropometric and medication data from baseline to the third follow-up visit were available for 659 participants. Body height and body weight measurements were subsequently converted to z-scores. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the z-scores of both ADHD drug users and non-users to determine potential trends in body weight and body height from baseline to the 3 rd annual follow-up. Results: At the last visit with ADHD drug use of the 48 ADHD drug users, 40% (19/48) of the children and adolescents were below the 25 th reference percentile for weight. Z-scores for body height declined from baseline to the 3rd annual follow-up in individuals who used ADHD drugs (n=10; Differencemeans =-0.310; p=0.002) compared to non-users (n=649; Differencemeans =0.102; p<0.001). Body weight also decreased from baseline to 3rd follow-up in the ADHD drug group (n=10; Differencemeans =-0.473; p<0.001) compared to the non-user group (n=649; Differencemeans =0.015; p=0.161). Conclusion: We observed a potential tendency towards lower Z-scores for body height and body weight in individuals taking ADHD medication for an extended period compared to the corresponding age- and sex-matched populations.

Association between Early Guanfacine Discontinuation and Somnolence for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Guanfacine, used as a medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), leads to a high incidence of somnolence, in contrast to methylphenidate, which leads to a high incidence of insomnia. The impact of somnolence on continuing guanfacine treatment is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the reasons for discontinuing guanfacine and analyzed the factors associated with discontinuation caused by somnolence. We surveyed 96 patients under guanfacine from July 2017 to December 2021 at the Saga University Hospital. Patients who discontinued guanfacine by the end date of our study were divided into a median early and late group. We compared the reasons for discontinuation in both groups. Of all patients, 47 continued and 49 discontinued guanfacine. A higher percentage of patients discontinued guanfacine caused by somnolence for ≤70 d than for >70 d of treatment (44.0 vs. 8.3%; p = 0.008). When stratified by the concomitant use of other ADHD drugs, somnolence resulted in a higher discontinuation rate for ≤70 d than for >70 d of treatment without concomitant use (55.0 vs. 7.1%; p = 0.009). Nonetheless, concomitant use resulted in no difference. In conclusion, somnolence affects the early discontinuation of guanfacine as an ADHD drug. The combination of methylphenidate or atomoxetine may decrease withdrawal caused by somnolence.

Utilization of Drugs for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Young Patients in China, 2010-2019.

ObjectiveThe use of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication is increasing worldwide, but its status in China is unknown. This research aimed to assess the trends of ADHD medication use in young Chinese patients between 2010 and 2019.MethodsDispensing data related to ADHD medication use were extracted from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperative Project of China. The trends in the yearly prescription number of ADHD drugs and corresponding cost were analyzed. We further stratified the data by age, sex, and specific drug.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2019, sampled prescriptions for ADHD medication increased from 902 to 4531, and the total expenditure increased rapidly from 276,580 to 2,412,308 Chinese Yuan. Prescriptions for males were almost fourfold more than that for females. Patients aged 6–11 years had the highest number of prescriptions for ADHD medication each year, accounting for more than 50% of the total number of prescriptions. The percentage of methylphenidate prescriptions decreased from 91.9% in 2010 to 76.9% in 2019, and the corresponding cost declined from 77.3% to 66.8%. In contrast, atomoxetine prescriptions increased progressively and accounted for about 24.5% of the total prescriptions at the end of the study.ConclusionsThe use of ADHD drugs and the corresponding cost increased rapidly in China, and methylphenidate was the most frequently prescribed medicine. The increase in ADHD prescriptions requires attention to ensure that it reflects appropriate use, especially in patients aged 6–11 years.

Utilization of Stimulants and Atomoxetine for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among 5.4 Million Children Using Population-Based Longitudinal Data.

Use of stimulants to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased over the past two decades and varies substantially between countries. The objective of this multinational population-based study was to examine utilization of ADHD drugs (stimulants and atomoxetine) including comedication with other psychotropic drugs in the entire child population in the five Nordic countries. We included longitudinal data on dispensed ADHD drugs from five Nordic prescription registers during 2008-2012, which in 2012 comprised 48,296 individuals among 5.42 million inhabitants aged 0-17 years. Prevalence of filling ≥1 prescriptions of ADHD drugs among children aged 6-17 years increased during 2008-2012 from 5.9 to 11.2 and 19.4 to 31.0 per 1000 girls and boys, respectively. Prevalence by country showed that Iceland, Finland and Sweden had a steady increase during the study period, while in Norway the prevalence was quite stable and in Denmark it levelled off from 2010. Use in preschoolers (aged 0-5 years) was rare. Iceland had much higher prevalence and incidence than the other Nordic countries. The incidence of ADHD drug use increased during the study period, from 4.0 to 4.9 and from 1.5 to 2.3 per 1000 boys and girls, respectively. The increasing number of new users levelled off somewhat after 2010. Comedication with other psychotropic drugs was more common among girls (33.9%) than boys (27.0%) and was mainly melatonin, followed by antidepressants and antipsychotics. Overall prevalence of ADHD drug use increased among Nordic girls and boys aged 6-17 years, whereas the incidence increased slightly during 2008-2010 but levelled off through 2012. The substantial differences in ADHD drug use across the Nordic countries and high degree of comedication with other psychotropic drugs underscore the importance of close monitoring of treatment for ADHD among children.

ADHD drug use levels off after 18-year boom.

Using drugs to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have reached a plateau, after a steep rise in prescriptions over the past 18 years.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine use in Pediatric Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Reviewing the Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicines

Natural health products (NHPs), including herbal medicines, are a modality of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used by pediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most families of pediatric patients find NHP treatment to be beneficial; however, clinical evidence of efficacy remains weak or lacking. Evidence of herbal medicine safety is similarly scarce, particularly with respect to herb-drug interactions and adverse events (AEs) associated with concurrent use of NHPs and ADHD prescription drugs. To support both families and physicians managing ADHD care, this review focuses on integrating available data on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines commonly used by pediatric ADHD patients. In addition to reviewing results from clinical trials, patient surveys, and experimental studies relating to commonly used herbal medicines, the paper discusses adverse event reports involving concurrent use of herbs and ADHD drugs, identified through the FDAble database. While NHP and other CAM offer patients alternative treatment options with potential benefits as well as risks, additional research is needed to support open discussion and evidence-based decision making by families and physicians.

A Nationwide Study of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Use among Adults in Iceland 2003–2012

In this study, we leveraged on complete nationwide prescription data for the total adult population in Iceland (N=227,000) to examine how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs have been used over the past decade. In particular, we aimed to describe the prevalence, incidence and duration of use of stimulants and atomoxetine, among adults (≥19years) in Iceland, with regard to sex, age, type of drug and specialty of the prescribing physician. Our results indicate that the 1-year period prevalence of ADHD drug use rose, from 2.9 to 12.2 per 1000 adults between 2003 and 2012, with the most pronounced increases among young adults (19-24years). The annual incidence increased 3 times, similarly among men and women. Extended-release methylphenidate formulations were the most commonly used ADHD drugs. Specialists in psychiatry initiated treatment in 79% of new adult ADHD drug users. The proportion of users still receiving treatment after 1year varied from 43.0% (19-24years), 57.2% (25-49years) to 47.5% (50+ years). After 3years, the corresponding proportions still on treatment were 12.4%, 24.5% and 24.3%, and after 5years 7.9%, 15.9% and 16.8%. These results of increasing ADHD drug use and short treatment durations call for further investigation of the quality of treatment regimens for adults with ADHD and better follow-up of patients treated with ADHD drugs.

Cardiovascular risk assessment for the use of ADHD drugs in children

Drug therapy for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has generally been regarded as safe. ECG screening of healthy children and adolescents before initiating this type of treatment appears to be usual in Norway, despite recommendations that ECGs should only be undertaken in individuals who are at risk. The purpose of this article is to clarify relevant guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment for the use of ADHD drugs in children and adolescents, as well as to propose practical recommendations. The article is based on a literature search in PubMed completed on 1 October 2013, and on the author's own clinical experience and discretionary assessments. The use of CNS stimulants and atomoxetine is associated with a slight rise in blood pressure and pulse rate, as well as small changes in QT interval. A small percentage of patients (5-10%) experience a clinically significant rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. Sudden death does not appear to occur more frequently in children and adolescents taking ADHD drugs in therapeutic doses than in children and adolescents who do not use such drugs. There is little knowledge available on the long-term effects of ADHD drugs on the cardiovascular system of otherwise healthy individuals, or on the risk related to the use of ADHD drugs in children and adolescents with cardiac disease. The drugs are thought to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in some arrhythmia syndromes. Our assessment is that caution should be exercised in the use of ADHD drugs in children with potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. We recommend clinical examination and a thorough medical history review in order to identify individuals at risk before initiating drug therapy, and also suggest that it is not necessary for healthy children to be given an ECG examination before introducing ADHD drugs. In children with known cardiac disease, arrhythmia or risk factors for cardiac disease, ADHD treatment should be undertaken in consultation with a medical specialist with competence in pediatric cardiology.

Association between ADHD drug use and injuries among children and adolescents

To study the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug use and the incidence of hospitalization due to injuries. A random sample of 150,000 persons (0-18 years) was obtained from the Dutch PHARMO record linkage system. An ADHD medication cohort as well as an up to six age/sex/index date sampled control cohort with no history of ADHD drug use was formed. Differences in incidence of hospitalization due to injuries were stratified for age and sex and compared prior, during and after exposure on ADHD drugs. The overall incidence of hospital admissions for injuries was two times higher in the ADHD medication cohort [incidence rate ratios (IRR) 2.2 (95 % CI 1.6-2.9)]. The incidence rate for injuries during exposure to ADHD drugs was lower in the exposed period compared to the period prior to ADHD drug use, although the difference was not statistically significant [IRR 0.68 (95 % CI 0.29-1.60)]. The relative risk for injuries was almost five times higher in the ADHD medication cohort among those who concomitantly used other psychotropics [IRR 4.8 (95 % CI 1.4-16.9)]. Risk for injuries was highest in 12-18 years olds. Children and adolescents using ADHD medication showed a twofold risk for hospital admissions for injuries. ADHD drug use might diminish the increased injury risk, but still overall risk is higher than in age/sex sampled children and adolescents without treatment with ADHD drugs. Use of ADHD and concomitant psychotropics increases the risk for injuries compared to only ADHD drug use.

Predictive Ability for Drug Use in Sub-Clinical Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Questionnaire Survey

Dear Editor, I read with interest the article by Bayrami et al., reporting the predictive ability of drug use for subjects with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms (1). The target 361 subjects were sampled randomly from 5129 university students, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a questionnaire. Recently, Lichtenstein et al. conducted a follow-up study to know the effect of medication for 25,656 ADHD patients on criminality (2). They concluded that the use of medication for ADHD reduces significantly the risk criminality. These two surveys contain completely different population from the viewpoint on the severity of ADHD. Although Bayrami et al. mentioned that there was a positive relationship between ADHD symptoms and drug use, a further study is needed to make a finalconclusion. First, their study is a cross-sectional study, and cause-effect relationship cannot be defined. Second, the target subjects are composed mainly of healthy young population, and clinical diagnosis of ADHD has not been made. Third, Pearson's moment correlation coefficient using scores from the questionnaire on ADHD and addiction acknowledgment scale score or Mac Andrew alcoholism scale scores showed under 0.4. This means that the relationship is not so strong, although a significant relationship was observed. This fact was also clarified by the multiple regression analysis, which was presented in Tables 2 and 3. Adjusted square values of R (multiple correlation coefficients) were under 0.16, which meant that each explanation rate was under one-sixthof all the variance. Before describing the predictive ability as they conducted, I recommend to describe the characteristics of the target university students. By this process, trace ability of their results by other researchers would improve. In anyway, there is a need for more studies to conclude the effect of ADHD symptoms on drug use including alcoholism.

The use of medication against attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Denmark: a drug use study from a patient perspective

Our aim was to characterize utilization patterns for drugs used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the level of the individual patient among Danish users, focusing on treatment duration, doses used, and concurrent use of ADHD and non-ADHD drugs. Using the Danish Registry of Medicinal Product Statistics, we extracted data on 1,085,099 prescriptions for ADHD drugs issued to a total of 54,024 persons in the study period 1 January 1995 to 30 September 2011. For users in the final year of the study period, we further extracted 315,365 prescriptions for non-ADHD drugs. Drug utilization was characterized using descriptive statistics. The mean duration of ADHD treatment was highest (3.6-4.2 years) for patients initiating therapy at a young age (age<13). Dropout rate after receiving only one prescription was highest among off-label users (age<6 and age >17). All age categories showed an increase in the average daily dosage of methylphenidate used from 2003 to 2010. Concomitant treatment with methylphenidate and atomoxetine was rare, as only 2 % of methylphenidate treatment overlapped with atomoxetine treatment. Nineteen percent of methylphenidate instant-release treatment overlapped with methylphenidate controlled-release treatment. Users of ADHD drugs across all age categories had an increased use of drugs related to the nervous system, especially antipsychotics [standardized morbidity rate (SMR), 6.4-19.5] and antiepileptics (SMR, 4.0-5.5). We found certain traits that warrant further investigation: the apparent increase in average daily doses, the low adherence to treatment among off-label users, and the increased use of other psychotropic medication.

ADHD Drugs and Serious Cardiovascular Events in Children and Young Adults

Adverse-event reports from North America have raised concern that the use of drugs for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with automated data from four health plans (Tennessee Medicaid, Washington State Medicaid, Kaiser Permanente California, and OptumInsight Epidemiology), with 1,200,438 children and young adults between the ages of 2 and 24 years and 2,579,104 person-years of follow-up, including 373,667 person-years of current use of ADHD drugs. We identified serious cardiovascular events (sudden cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke) from health-plan data and vital records, with end points validated by medical-record review. We estimated the relative risk of end points among current users, as compared with nonusers, with hazard ratios from Cox regression models. Cohort members had 81 serious cardiovascular events (3.1 per 100,000 person-years). Current users of ADHD drugs were not at increased risk for serious cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 1.85). Risk was not increased for any of the individual end points, or for current users as compared with former users (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.72). Alternative analyses addressing several study assumptions also showed no significant association between the use of an ADHD drug and the risk of a study end point. This large study showed no evidence that current use of an ADHD drug was associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, although the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval indicated that a doubling of the risk could not be ruled out. However, the absolute magnitude of such an increased risk would be low. (Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Food and Drug Administration.).

Use of ADHD drugs in the Nordic countries: a population-based comparison study

To compare national use of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs between five Nordic countries. A population-based drug utilisation study based on nationwide prescription databases, covering in total 24 919 145 individuals in 2007. ADHD drugs defined according to the World Health Organization Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification system as centrally acting sympathomimetics (N06BA). The 2007 prevalence of ADHD drug use among the total Nordic population was 2.76 per 1000 inhabitants, varying from 1.23 per 1000 in Finland to 12.46 per 1000 in Iceland. Adjusting for age, Icelanders were nearly five times more likely than Swedes to have used ADHD drugs (Prev.Ratio = 4.53, 95% CI: 4.38-4.69). Prevalence among boys (age 7-15) was fourfold the prevalence among girls (Prev.Ratio = 4.28, 95% CI: 3.70-4.96). The gender ratio was diminished among adults (age 21 +) (Prev.Ratio = 1.24, CI: 1.21-1.27). A considerable national variation in use of ADHD drugs exists between the Nordic countries.

Trends in Incidence and Characteristics of Children, Adolescents, and Adults Initiating Immediate- or Extended-Release Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine in The Netherlands During 2001–2006

Previous Dutch studies showed increasing psychostimulant use, especially methylphenidate immediate-release (MPH-IR), between 1995 and 2003. In 2003 the extended-release (ER) formulation of MPH and in 2005 atomoxetine (ATX) were introduced in The Netherlands, which increased treatment options. The aim of this study was to describe the change in incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs and the prescription profiles of patients younger than 45 years starting treatment with these medicines between 2001 and 2006. Data were obtained from Dutch community pharmacies as collected by the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Statistics, covering 97% of all dispenses for prescription medicines to outpatients in The Netherlands. The overall incidence of ADHD drugs use increased 6.5-fold from 2001 to 2006 in men as well as in women. The absolute incidence was highest among 6- to 11-year-old boys. The percentage of first-time MPH-IR users decreased from 98.3% in 2001 to 75.9% in 2006. Likewise, MPH-ER use increased from 0% in 2001 to 18.9% in 2006, and ATX use increased from 0% in 2001 to 3.9% in 2006. The new nonstimulant drug ATX was prescribed more often to adults if they had been previously treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, or antipsychotics. Youngsters <17 years initiated on ATX were often previously treated with antipsychotics or clonidine/guanfacine. These findings demonstrate an increase in incidence in use of ADHD drugs between 2001 and 2006 in The Netherlands. The major proportion of all treated patients comprised boys, 6-11 years old; most of them were treated with MPH-IR. In a few years time, the use of extended-release drugs as part of all ADHD drug prescriptions increased considerably, despite the lack of full reimbursement of these extended-release drugs. Psychostimulants and atomoxetine in children, adolescents, and adults are probably used to address different treatment needs.

Sustained release methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD in amphetamine abusers: A pilot study

The efficacy of stimulant treatment in patients with substance use disorders and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been tested for cocaine and alcohol dependence but so far no studies have been conducted in amphetamine dependent individuals. The present trial was a pilot study aiming to test the feasibility of treating amphetamine dependent patients with comorbid ADHD with central stimulant medication. The study was a double-blind, placebo controlled trial with parallel groups design comparing the efficacy of a fixed dose (72 mg) of OROS methylphenidate (MPH) with placebo (PL) in reducing ADHD symptoms in currently abstinent adults with amphetamine dependence and ADHD. Twenty-four treatment seeking patients who met the DSM IV criteria for amphetamine dependence and ADHD were randomized to MPH/PL. The trial was conducted at an outpatient facility with twice weekly visits, measuring ADHD symptoms and drug use. Patients rated their ADHD symptoms on a weekly basis and provided supervised urine specimens for drug toxicology twice weekly. All patients participated in weekly sessions of a skills training programme. Both the groups significantly reduced their self-rated ADHD symptoms during the 12-week treatment but there was no difference between the two treatment arms. Drug use, both measured by urine toxicology and self-report did not differ between the groups. No difference was found between the two groups with regards to craving for amphetamine or in retention in treatment. Larger studies with higher doses combined with individual dosage and longer follow-up periods are warranted.

Determinants of Initial Pharmacological Treatment for Youths with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of initial psychotropic treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The retrospective cohort design included 28,763 newly diagnosed youths <21 years, with 18 months of continuous Medicaid eligibility between 1994 and 2003. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between clinical, sociodemographic, and provider characteristics and ADHD drug (stimulants/atomoxetine) use and six other psychotropic drug classes within 6 months after the ADHD diagnosis claim. The categories male, school-aged, white, rural dwelling, and foster care were positively associated with ADHD treatment. Youths diagnosed by psychiatrists were 42% less likely to receive ADHD drugs than those diagnosed by primary care physicians. Of the 26% youths with mental co-morbidities, 31.3% concomitantly used non-ADHD psychotropic medications. The presence of other mental disorders decreased the probability of ADHD drug use by 14-54%. Antipsychotics (55.1%) or antidepressants (56.4%) were used by more than half of patients with concomitant bipolar disorder. A total of 26.4% of patients without mental co-morbidities received non-ADHD drugs, either with or without concomitant stimulant use (18.8% and 7.6%, respectively). Sociodemographic, clinical, and provider characteristics are associated with initial treatment for youths with ADHD. More evidence on psychotropic safety and efficacy is needed considering the high prevalence of concomitant mental disorders, multidrug regimens, and off-label use.

An analysis of the significant variation in psychostimulant use across the U.S.

To provide a national profile of the area variation in per-capita psychostimulant consumption in the U.S. We separated 3030 U.S. counties into two categories of 'low' and 'high' per-capita use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs (based on data from the Drug Enforcement Administration), and then analyzed them on the basis of their socio-demographic, economic, educational and medical characteristics. We found significant differences and similarities in the profile of counties in the U.S. that are above and below the national median rate of per-capita psychostimulant use (defined as g/per 100K population). Compared to counties below the median level, counties above the median level have: significantly greater population, higher per-capita income, lower unemployment rates, greater HMO penetration, more physicians per capita, a higher ratio of young-to-old physicians and a slightly higher students-to-teacher ratio. Our analysis of the DEA's ARCOS data shows that most of the significant variables correlated with 'higher' per-capita use of ADHD drugs serve as a proxy for county affluence. To provide a more complex, multivariate analysis of the area variation in psychostimulant use across the U.S.-which is the logical next step-requires obtaining price data to match the DEA's quantity data.