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4w ago

Study Confirms ADHD Medications Offer Significant Benefits with Manageable Cardiovascular Risks

Research highlights small increases in blood pressure and heart rate but emphasizes the overall safety and efficacy of ADHD treatments, urging careful monitoring for at-risk patients.

It is estimated that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 4 per cent of children in the UK. Of these, around 45 per cent are treated with medication.Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • A new University of Southampton-led study reaffirms that ADHD medications provide substantial cognitive and mental health benefits, outweighing their minor cardiovascular risks.
  • The study found small increases in blood pressure and heart rate across most ADHD medications, with the exception of guanfacine, which reduces these metrics.
  • Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications were shown to have similar cardiovascular effects, with no significant differences between the two categories.
  • Experts stress the importance of careful cardiovascular monitoring, particularly for patients with pre-existing heart conditions, and adherence to updated guidelines for safe prescribing.
  • The rising demand for ADHD treatment, with prescription rates in England increasing by 18% annually, is straining the NHS, described by experts as 'obsolete' in addressing this surge.