ADHD and Other Disorders

ADHD commonly co-occurs with other disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, learning disabilities, tics, and substance abuse.

These disorders tend to run in families, tend to be inherited or have a genetic component, whether occurring separately or together. While it’s suspected that there might be a genetic link between ADHD and other comorbid disorders, it’s not yet scientifically proven.

Because of familial transmission and co-occurrence of ADHD and the above disorders, evaluation of ADHD should always include a detailed family history. Over 50% of children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD have a co-occurring disorder which also needs to be treated if treatment is to be successful.

Evaluation and treatment of ADHD should always be comprehensive. Simple rating scales and medication alone are not adequate for most people with ADHD.

Related Topics:

• A Must for Children with ADHD
• Mental Health in Children

Technorati Tags: ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, mental health

ADHD Medication Prescription Process Streamlined

The Drug Enforcement Administration (FDA) is now allowing doctors to write up to three one-month prescriptions for ADHD medications during one office visit. Previously, doctors were allowed to write only one prescription per visit. The prescriptions still have to be filled on different dates, but this will streamline the process of obtaining prescriptions.

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Boys and Girls Respond Differently to Ritalin

Previous studies have not found a difference in response to methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD) based on sex. However, a new study of 136 boys and 48 girls aged 6 to 12 did find different responses. Girls are more likely to have inattentive type of ADHD, compared to boys, and are more likely to have co-existing anxiety.

The children were randomized to receive Concerta (a 12-hour preparation), Metadate CD (an 8-hour preparation), or placebo. Girls responded significantly better to both Metadate CD and Concerta than the boys 1 ½ hours after dosing, but their response declined more rapidly than the boys from 6 to 12 hours after dosing. By 12 hours after dosing, boys had a much better response to both drugs.

Because of the steeper decline in response to medications toward the end of the day, girls being treated for ADHD might need special attention at the end of the day, e.g. more structure, supervision, or additional medication.

Related Topics:

• Tips to Reduce the Side Effects of ADHD Medications
• Choosing the Right ADHD Medication for Your Child

Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, medications, health and wellness