ADHD Drugs May Avert Later Psych Disorders

Another audience member commented that the study results cannot be considered definitive because participants were not randomized. Dr. Biederman replied that the days are long gone when a placebo-controlled study of stimulants in ADHD would be possible. “These data are the best we're going to have,” he said.

Ten-year follow-up data from the investigators' parallel study of girls with ADHD are now being analyzed.

The ongoing longitudinal study is supported by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Biederman disclosed receiving research support from and serving as a consultant and/or advisory board member to numerous pharmaceutical companies.

Stimulant therapy was associated with a significant 78% reduction in the relative risk of developing major depression.

Source DR. BIEDERMAN