The question of growth is one that’s been a concern of mine with the ADHD medications. Most studies indicate that while growth may be slower in the early years, it ultimately evens out. This study is no exception:
Ritalin May Slow Growth in Some: “Aug. 5, 2005 — Although Ritalin has been used for four decades to
treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
there are still many unanswered questions about its impact on growth, a
newly published review concludes.”
I could take WebMD to task for their headline, which seems to be a bit misleading, but unfortunately, it did get my attention. Could they have headlined it with “Ritalin and Growth Rate Relationships Unproven”? Yes, but I probably would’ve shrugged and moved on. It just frustrates me that most recent reports about ADHD medications are framed in negative terms.
Our reality is that BOTH kids are below average height for their age. One medicated, one not. A’s growth rate has skyrocketed in the past two years or so, as would be expected with the age. T and I are not towering giants, so at this point, I’d say that our kids would fall in the range determined by their genetic makeup more than what medications they take.
The simple conclusion to this study is that more studies are needed. The problem with reporting on them by framing the negatives is that they spark the fire of anti-medication murmurs once again. People point to them and say “See? Ritalin stunts kids’ growth!” — even though that’s NOT what it says at all.
A word to the wise: Skip reports like these and keep looking for the ones that actually have a conclusion beyond more studying.
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You learn something every day:-)
Cheese Cakes