Studies have dispelled the notion that stimulant treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects growth - in boys. The studies were done with boys because they are more likely to have ADHD than girls. Nothing was known about the growth patterns of girls with ADHD taking stimulants. That's now changed.
Doctors at the Harvard Medical School measured the height and weight of 124 girls with ADHD. All were treated with stimulants. The girls were matched with healthy girls of the same age, parental heights, and pubertal development. No association was found between treatment and age-adjusted height or weight.
The researchers concluded, "No growth deficits appear to be associated with ADHD or its treatment in females." This study supports the safety of using stimulant drugs in treating children with ADHD.
Pediatrics, 5/03
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