Stimulant Use in Children with ADHD Is Associated with Autonomic Imbalance and Arterial Stiffness

Whether there are long-term consequences is not clear.

Several studies confirm that use of a stimulant medication by children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not associated with adverse cardiac events (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Nov 16 2011). The question remains: Do stimulants cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction through activation of the sympathetic nervous system that may affect long-term cardiovascular health?

In a cross-sectional study, researchers compared cardiac autonomic function between 85 children with ADHD using a stimulant (mean age, 11 years) and a control group of 53 siblings without ADHD. Cardiac function was measured 90 minutes after participants with ADHD took their stimulant medication (methylphenidate or amphetamine). Compared to the co…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics