More Kids Using ADHD Drugs To Get High

Main Category: ADHD
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 25 Aug 2009 - 3:00 PST

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects between 8 percent and 12 percent of children and 4 percent of adults worldwide. There has been a significant increase in the use of prescription stimulants to treat ADHD. The most frequently prescribed ADHD medications include mixed amphetamine salts and methylphenidate.

The study, "Adolescent Prescription ADHD Medication Abuse is Rising Along With Prescriptions for These Medications," analyzed the American Association of Poison Control Center's National Poison Data System for the years 1998 to 2005 for all cases involving 13- to 19-year-olds who intentionally abused or intentionally misused ADHD prescription medication.

Calls related to ADHD medication abuse rose 76 percent, to 581 from 317 each year. Estimated prescription rates for teens and preteens increased 133 percent for amphetamine products, 52 percent for methylphenidate products, and 80 percent for both together. Although the majority of adolescents use their ADHD medication appropriately, pediatricians need to know that the increase in prescriptions of ADHD medication increases the potential for abuse. Since the rise in abuse remained proportional to the availability, study authors suggest that more teens are misusing stimulant ADHD medication because more have access to the medicine.

Source
American Academy of Pediatrics