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Children with autism spectrum disorders frequently receive psychotropic drugs

Behavioral interventions typically are the first line of treatment to manage unwanted behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders ( ASDs ). If behaviors do not improve, medications frequently are added to the mix. Research conducted by Autism Speaks' Autism Treatment Network ( ATN ) has...
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ADHD appears to be associated with depressed dopamine activity in the brain

Adults with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) show a blunted response to the Methylphenidate ( Ritalin ), which increases brain dopamine levels. This suggests that dopamine dysfunction may be involved with ADHD symptoms and may contribute to substance abuse that often occurs simul...
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ADHD Drugs linked to cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse events

The FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) directed the manufacturers of all drug products approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) to develop Patient Medication Guides to alert patients to possible cardiovascular risks and risks of adverse psychiatric symptoms a...
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Long-term behavioral and neurological problems associated with prenatal exposure to cocaine

Cocaine use during pregnancy can cause subtle but disabling cognitive impairments -- attention deficits, learning disabilities and emotional problems. A study by researchers at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development may help explain the long-term behavioral and neurologi...
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ADHD and narcolepsy: changes to Dexedrine boxed warnings and precautions

The FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) has made changes to the boxed warning, warning, warning and precautions sections of the prescribing information for Dexedrine ( Dextroamphetamine sulfate ), approved for the treatment of ( ADHD ) Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and narcolepsy. The wa...
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Preschoolers with ADHD improve with low doses of Ritalin

The PATS ( The Preschool ADHD Treatment Study ) trial designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of treating preschoolers who have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) with Methylphenidate ( Ritalin ) has found that overall, low doses of this medication are effective and safe. H...
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Strattera, suspected association with tics

Health Canada has received 1 report of tics and 1 report of exacerbation of tics suspected of being associated with Strattera ( Atomoxetine ). In the first case, a 7-year-old girl was prescribed Atomoxetine 25 mg/d for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ). Subsequently, the dose was ...
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Methylphenidate patch to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, approved

FDA ( U.S. Food and Drug Administration ) approved Daytrana, the first transdermal patch, for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) in children six to 12 years of age. Daytrana is a once daily treatment containing the drug Methylphenidate, a central nervous system ( CNS ) sti...
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Eye movement test may help to identify children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

A simple test that measures eye movement may help to identify children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ( FASD ) and ultimately lead to improved treatment for the condition, say Queen's University researchers. At present there are no objective diagnostic tools that can be used to distinguish ...
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Antisocial behavior in children associated with gene variant and environmental risk factors

For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), possessing a variant of a gene involved in brain signaling may predict antisocial behavior and increase susceptibility to the effects of lower birth weight. The study is published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Biolog...
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