Emergency Department Visits Involving Attention Deficit/Hyeractivity Disorder Stimulant Medications.

摘要

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder marked by excessive hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention. Although these disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood, symptoms may persist into adulthood. About two thirds (66 percent) of children aged 4 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD took medication for the disorder in 2007, and stimulant medications remain the first-line treatment for these disorders in both children and adults. When used as directed, ADHD stimulant medications can be effective treatment, but they can also have negative side effects, such as nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, and cardiovascular or psychiatric problems. ADHD stimulant medications can also be misused to suppress appetite, enhance alertness, or cause feelings of euphoria. Past year nonmedical use of Adderall, a common ADHD stimulant medication, increased among adults from 2006 to 2010, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 25. Whether ADHD stimulant medications are misused or adverse reactions occur when the medication is taken as prescribed, monitoring dangerous health effects that require immediate medical attention can help guide intervention efforts.