Whenever we talk about the common and often fatal side effects of stimulants for ADHD, the first things we usually think of are cardiovascular risks, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, and moodiness. However, studies show that there is another important and often overlooked side effect of ADHD medications - retarded physical growth. Although researchers do not know the exact mechanism by which drugs affect growth, a review of current research shows that growth deficit is about 1 cm per year when taking stimulant drugs. Children receiving ADHD also have a lower weight than their peers, but this can be associated with loss of appetite and can be easily eliminated with a diet.
The MTA study, the longest-running study of children with ADHD, provides a clear picture of the long-term results of treatment for ADHD. Three years after the participants, the researchers noted that the children who took Ritalin and other stimulant drugs were one inch shorter and six pounds lighter than those who did not take drugs. It seems that weakened growth has only short-term effects; The researchers noted that those who took the drugs eventually reached their normal height.
Another interesting observation made in the study is that the effects of drugs on behavior appear to be significant after 14 months. However, by the 24th month, these benefits decreased slightly. After 36 months of medication, the advantage of treating ADHD over natural treatments has disappeared. In other words, a stimulator of ADHD therapy loses its ability to control symptoms with prolonged use. It is interesting to note that the three-year mark is also when children on drugs begin to “catch up” with their peers in terms of height.
There is no reason to say that these drugs actually work for some children, but there is reason to think twice before considering this treatment. Fortunately, there are a number of natural treatment options for ADHD that work as well as medications. Although treatment of ADHD will naturally require more effort than swallowing a pill, this approach will not put your child at risk for growth and other harmful effects.
