Research Updates
A Look at Long-term Outcomes for Stimulant Medication
There have been numerous articles published attesting to the short-term benefits of stimulant medication for children and adolescents with ADHD. Among those most often cited are improvements in attention, decline in motor restlessness, increased academic performance, improved social behavior, and better fine-motor coordination, among others. However, few studies have examioned the long-term efficacy of stimulants on social and academic functioning, safety, and treatment adherence. A recent study by Charach, A., Ickowicz, A., & Schachar, R. (2004) summarized in February 2005 issue of The ADHD Report investigated long-term outcomes by studying 79 participants in a 12-month controlled trial of methylphenidate who were followed over five years with annual assessments. There were three groups: adherents (n=41 had consistent medication dosing across all assessments), nonadherents on medication (n=16), or off medication (n=16).
At two-year follow-up, participants who adhered to medication treatment and those who did not adhere showed greater teacher-rated symptom improvement than those off medication. However, at five-year follow-up, adherents on medication showed greater improvements than non-adherents on medication and those off medication. Those that adhered to the medication program tended to be children who had more severe ADHD symptoms at baseline. There were significant adverse side effects throughout the fifth year of treatment (e.g., decreased appetite) but these side effects werre generally mild.
The study authors concluded that children with ADHD who have more severe symptoms tend to stay on medication longer and continue to benefit from stimulant treatment over time. They advocate ongoing clinical monitoring.
Charach, A., Ickowicz, A., & Schachar, R. (2004). Stimulant treatment over five years: Adherence, effectiveness, and adverse effects. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43, 559-567.
For additional articles and resources on ADHD visit these sites:
myADHD.com Online Library for current articles on ADHD
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A.D.D. WareHouse—
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Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). See information about the CHADD Annual Conference in Dallas (October 2005). Visit www.chadd.org. CHADD is also planning three Regional Conferences: San Francisco (June 4th), New York City (June 18th), and Detroit (June 25th). For more information or to register for these regional conferences call (301) 306-7070, ext. 119.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
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