ADHD

The article was titled "ADHD meds: playing it safe". Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should be screened carefully for heart conditions and given an ECG in some cases before they are given drugs according to AHA. ADHD meds like Ritalin and Aderall are typically stimulants and could excaberate and underlying heart condition. Kids already on meds for ADHD should also be screened.The new recommendation is a cautious move to catch rare cases.

(Chapter 13 p.530) The combination fo drugs and psychotherapy has been also shown to be more affective than either method alone in treating ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcoholism, stammering, compulsive sexual behavior and panic disorder. (p.489 Chapter 12) An ADHD diagnosis is given to children who, compared with other children their age are impulsive, unattentive or both. Many of these also have difficulty sitting still and controlling physical activity. Their impulsiveness and lack of self-control contribute to be significantly impairements in learning and to an astonishing ability to annoy and exhaust those around them. In some cases, problems in parenting may increase the risk for this disorder.