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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.
- Source :
-
Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health [Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health] 2015 Oct 28; Vol. 9, pp. 50. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Oct 28 (Print Publication: 2015). - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Background: Children and adolescents with ADHD treated with central stimulants (CS) often have growth deficits, but the implications of such treatment for final height and stature remain unclear.<br />Methods: Weight and height were assessed multiple times in 410 children and adolescents during long-term treatment with CS, which lasted between 0.9 and 16.1 years. Weight and height measures were converted to z-scores based on age- and sex-adjusted population tables.<br />Results: CS treatment was associated with (1) a relative reduction in body weight and a temporary halt in growth, (2) a weight and height lag after 72 months compared with relative baseline values. No relation to early start of medication (<6 years), gender, comorbid ODD/CD or emotional disorders was observed.<br />Conclusions: Treatment with central stimulants for ADHD impacts growth in children and adolescents, and growth should be continuously monitored in patients on chronic treatment with these medications.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1753-2000
- Volume :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26516345
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-015-0082-3