Psychiatric Drugs: The New Pharmacopoeia

Newsweeks' April 25th issue has an article that investigates the pros and cons of the psychiatric drugs on the market today to treat ADHD.

Dr. Steven Scholzmann summarize the balancing act as follows:

"We can't dismiss the dangers of these drugs—but we must also respect the dangers of the illnesses themselves. Kids with untreated ADHD lag behind kids on medication—both at school and in their emotional and physical development. They also have high rates of substance abuse. And untreated mood and anxiety disorders are major risk factors for suicide, the third leading cause of death in young people."

Newsweek article: Psychiatric Drugs: The New Pharmacopoeia

ADHD Brain Scans

Brain scans show a physiological effect, but a complete understanding of ADHD / ADD is still elusive

The Orlando Sentinal has a good report on the state of brain imaging for ADHD today.

The paper notes that "imaging technology has allowed scientists to see that brain structure and brain activity in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are markedly different than in nonafflicted children."

(Photo above - normal brain on left, ADHD brain on right) These images created by scanning the brains of ADHD-positive children support theories that the ADHD has a physiological basis in the brain -- "which contradicts skeptics who view the disorder as nothing more than initials that stand for an unruly, undisciplined brat."

"People don't believe in things until they see a picture," says Michael Stevens, researcher at the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at Hartford Hospital's Institute of Living.

ADHD Skin Patch

Source: Shire Pharmaceuticals Marketing Dept.

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) today announced positive preliminary results from clinical trials of its methylphenidate transdermal system* (MTS) which is being developed in conjunction with Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. for children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These trial results will be included as part of an amendment to the New Drug Application for the product currently pending at the FDA. Both Shire and Noven believe that the studies will address the issues raised by the FDA's review in April 2003. The FDA has previously confirmed that the amendment will be reviewed within six months after submission.

The two studies, a phase 2 study involving 79 patients over a seven week period and a phase 3 study involving 268 patients over a seven week period, examined MTS in children between the ages of 6 and 12 previously diagnosed with ADHD. In these studies, use of MTS was well tolerated and the objectives of both studies were achieved.

ADHD - Not Just for Kids

ADHD is not just a condition of childhood
Source: The British Psychological Society

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not just a condition of childhood but can continue into adult life, causing people real problems in their everyday lives.

Dr Bramham assessed 218 adults, aged between 16 and 50 years, who had been diagnosed with ADHD. She tested their ability to focus attention and to concentrate, as well as their ability to control impulsive responses. She also asked them to complete questionnaires about symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The tests revealed no differences between age groups with regard to attention abilities, but there was an improvement in response inhibition with age. The questionnaires showed that older ADHD individuals reported higher levels of both anxiety and depression, suggesting that the longer a person has experienced the disorder, the more distress it can cause.

Dr Bramham says: "These findings confirm that ADHD does not necessarily disappear by the time a child reaches their 18th birthday. Some adults can continue to experience significant cognitive and emotional problems associated with the disorder. Treatment can substantially improve their functioning but still many services do not recognise that ADHD may persist beyond childhood."

Parents and Teens Finally Agree: ADHD Treatment Works

Families with teenagers diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) strongly believe that treating the condition can lead to significant improvements in school and at home, according to a new nationwide survey done by the National Mental Health Association (and supported by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals).

Roughly two-thirds of these parents (66%) and teenagers (61%) report their teen/they currently receive treatment for ADHD. Both groups credit their treatment -- in the form of medication, counseling and/or behavior therapy, and school services -- with contributing to better grades in school, higher self-esteem, improved social relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular activities.

"ADHD amplifies the issues that all teens grapple with, such as heavy
demands at school, more complicated social situations, and a growing desire for independence," said Michael Faenza, MSSW, President and CEO, National Mental Health Association (NMHA), the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and illness. "Therefore,it is critical that they receive the support and treatment needed to succeed during these critical years."

Genetics are root cause of ADHD

Genetics are the root cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to new research out of Oxford University.

According the study from England, "the genetic and environmental mediation of continuity and change in parent-reported attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were investigated in a cohort of over 6000 twin pairs at 2, 3 and 4 years of age."

"what is stable for ADHD symptoms is largely genetic. Contrast effects acting in the same direction at different ages contributed to the observed continuity: longitudinal correlations were greater for dizygotic than monozygotic twins," scientists indicated.

Price and colleagues published the results of their research in Behavior Genetics (Continuity and change in preschool ADHD symptoms: Longitudinal genetic analysis with contrast effects. Behav Genet, 2005;35(2):121-132).