At the same time, many studies have revealed the numerous adverse effects associated with prescription stimulants when they are used inappropriately. Experts estimate that approximately 60% of children with ADHD are treated with prescription stimulants ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2005a) therefore, approximately three million children in this country take stimulants for problems with focusing. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (MPH Ritalin and Concerta) and dextroamphetamine-AMP (d-AMP Adderall) are the most common pharmacologic treatments ( The MTA Cooperative Group 1999) and abundant data support the potentially positive effects of prescription stimulants for the majority of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. There are both pharmacological and nonpharmacological (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy ) treatments of ADHD. However, early treatment may decrease negative outcomes of ADHD including the rate of conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder ( Dopheide and Pliszka 2009). 1997 Rasmussen and Gillberg 2000 Kollins et al. Moreover, when ADHD is untreated, there is increased prevalence of certain psychological disorders (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, antisocial personality, substance use, and anxiety) ( Faraone et al. Other consequences associated with ADHD include dangerous driving, impaired peer relationships, delinquent behavior, and impulsive sexuality ( Putukian et al. Youth with ADHD are at an increased risk for academic failure because of learning or language problems. Individuals with ADHD often have substantial functional impairment in academic, family, and social settings. Thus, adult ADHD is one of the most common adult psychiatric disorders. ADHD is found in all countries surveyed with rates similar to, if not higher than, those found in North America ( Faraone et al. Differences across ethnic groups within the United States are sometimes found, but seem to be more of the function of social class than ethnicity ( Bloom and Cohen 2007). Overall, the prevalence of ADHD in adults ranges from 3.5% to 4.5% ( Kessler et al. Although ADHD was once regarded as a disorder of childhood and adolescence, an estimated 50% of patients diagnosed with ADHD under the age of 18 years continue to have symptoms as an adult ( Wilens et al. ADHD is diagnosed in boys at a rate of two to four times that of girls, although this observation may be the result of referral patterns from teachers ( Sciutto et al. Based on the Heath Resources and Services Administration's National Survey of Children's Health, the percentage of children aged 4–17 years diagnosed with ADHD increased from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007, representing a 21.8% increase in just 4 years ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010). ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric conditions of childhood ( Wilens et al. As ADHD medications are prescribed for long-term treatment, there is a need for long-term safety studies and education on the health risks associated with misuse is imperative.Īttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a treatable neurobehavioral disorder that is defined by persistent and maladaptive symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention ( American Psychiatric Association 2000). Moreover, misuse of stimulants is associated with dangers including psychosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and even sudden death. Student athletes should be apprised of the very serious consequences that can emerge when stimulants are used to improve sports performance. Given the widespread belief that stimulants enhance performance, there are in fact only a few studies reporting the cognitive enhancing effects of stimulants in ADHD and nonaffected individuals. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use and increasing misuse of prescription stimulants among high school and college students and athletes. However, misuse of stimulants by ADHD and nonaffected individuals has dramatically increased over recent years based on students' misconceptions or simple lack of knowledge of associated risks. Drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall) help people with ADHD feel more focused. Prescription stimulants are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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