Medication
Extended-release guanfacine was found to be effective versus placebo in treating ADHD in children between 6 to 17 years old. Statistically significant mprovement was found on five assessment measures. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568501
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) will now be offered in 20mg, 40mg and 60mg strengths in addition to 30mg, 50mg and 70mgs. Vyvanse is a stimulant that is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD. The new dosages should be available sometime before the end of March 2008. http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-22012011.htm
So I read the headline on msnbc.com - "ADHD drugs may boost ER visits". And I immediately wonder what the story is really about. The medical data of over 50,000 children was reviewed to see if there were more heart-related symptoms reported, such as a rapid heartbeat. Children who used stimulants were 20% more likely to [...]
Two studies being published in the New England Journal of Medicine did not find a link between birth defects and the mothers' antidepressant use. A total of almost 30,000 infants and their mothers were studied. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19464132/ For many, the benefit of being healthy outweighs the risk of stopping medication. Untreated depression can cause stress and possible [...]
A study has been published which demonstrates some efficacy in the use of Pycnogenol (a deriviative of the bark from the French Maritime Pine) to treat inattention and hyperactivity. Subjects were either given Pycnogenol or a placebo for four weeks. Parents and teachers completed ADHD rating scales. After one month, teacher rating scales for subjects taking [...]
I am asked often if there is a link between autism and vaccines. Autism symptoms usually start to be more prominent around 12 to 18 months, around the same age when some vaccines are administered for the first time. (Here's a vaccination schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.cispimmunize.org/IZSchedule_2006.pdf Here's an interesting website regarding studies [...]