|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Kids With ADHD May Not Need Anti Psychotic Drugs
Children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and show acts of aggression are often put on anti-psychotic
drugs in addition to stimulant medications. A recent study, done at the
New York’s Stony Brook University School of Medicine, indicates that
aggressive behavior can be minimized or eliminated completely by careful
tweaking of stimulant medication.
Why Kids With ADHD Aggression are Treated With Anti-Psychotic Medications
Second
generation anti-psychotic drugs, also known as atypical anti-psychotic
drugs, are often prescribed to treat aggression in individuals. The Vancouver Sun states that approximately 6,000 youth in British Columbia are on anti-psychotic drugs.
Atypical
anti-psychotic drugs can be used to treat patients suffering from mood
disorders, attention deficit, aggression, developmental delays, autism,
bipolar disorder and early schizophrenia.
Atypical anti-psychotic drugs include:
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
- ziprasidone (Geodon)
- aripirazole (Abilify)
- paliperidone (Invega)
Anti-Psychotic Medications Used to Treat ADHD Aggression Has Side Effects
As
with all prescription drugs, side effects are possible when taking
anti-psychotic drugs to treat aggression. Some of the side effects may
be an inconvenience to the child and will pass within a couple of days,
while others may be more serious and have the potential to pose serious
health risks.
Some side effects of anti-psychotic drugs are:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- vision problems
- increased heart rate
- sun sensitivity
- skin rash
- menstrual problems for women
- weight gain and metabolism changes (which can lead to diabetes and high cholesterol)
- rigidity
- muscle spasms
- tremors
- restlessness
Treating ADHD Kids’ Aggression with Stimulant Medications
Lead
author Joseph C. Blader, an assistant at New York’s Stony Brook
University School of Medicine, indicates use of anti-psychotic
medications to treat aggression in ADHD children may be avoidable in
many cases.
The recent study, published in the October edition of Pediatrics involved
65 children between the ages of six and 13 years of age who all had
ADHD and severe aggressive behavior. The kids were all started on the
stimulant drug Concerta (a long lasting form of Ritalin) and the dosage
was tweaked until the child’s symptoms were well controlled. Children
and parents attended weekly therapy and learned how to control behaviors
and establish a “rewards based” system. At the end of five weeks, 32 of
the children showed a strong reduction in their aggressive behavior.
Each
child responds to medications differently and not all children with
ADHD aggression will be able to control their symptoms with stimulant
medication only. Study research now indicates that many children may be
able to be treated for their ADHD aggression without using
anti-psychotic drugs that may have serious side effects and health
risks.
Further Reading:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Natural Remedies
ADHD and ADD: Misdiagnosis and Uncertainties
Disclaimer:
The
information contained in this article is for educational purposes only
and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the
opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his
or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
The Vancouver Sun. “ Children on antipsychotic drugs more prone to diabetes: Canadian study ” (accessed September 17, 2010)
U.S News Health. “AggressiveKids with ADHD May Not Need Antipsychotic Meds” (accessed September 17, 2010)
National Institute of Mental Health. “Mental Health Medications” (accessed September 17, 2010)
|
|
About the Author Author of "The Cosmetic Chemicals Guide", and "Helping Your ADHD/ADD Child,
Tamara Laschinsky has published over 550 articles since 2010. Her work
has been published in a variety of magazines, health newsletters and
online publications across the world and her books are also sold world-wide.
Tamara is the owner of the natural health & wellness store,
Natural e GREEN, based in Airdrie, Alberta. She divides her time between
running the store and researching new stories for her readers. Dedicated to helping consumers make safe choices and to providing information for the younger generation, Tamara continues to find the safest products available and share them with her readers and customers.
|
|
|
|
