Monday, August 24, 2009

ADHD drugs: prescriptions and overdoses on the rise

Researchers from the Cincinatti Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio have found a growing problem with the misuse of stimulant drugs originally prescribed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In 1988 there were 317 cases of teenagers overdosing on the drugs but this had risen to 581 by 2005 - a rise of 76%. ADHD is estimated to affect between 8-12% of children and 4% of adults worldwide and prescriptions of amphetamines rose by 133% from 1998 to 2003. Annual U.S. sales of the drugs totaled around $4.8 billion in 2008.

You can find out more about this research at


http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE57N0LB20090824?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&sp=true

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