While combating the rise in attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder in young children remains a priority in the United States, a new report suggests doctors may be overprescribing powerful meds to deal with the disorder in very young children.
The report, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claims that over 10,000 toddlers across the country are being diagnosed as hyperactive and receiving drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall.
The problem that many in the medical field see is the fact that 2- and 3-year old children are getting these drugs even though the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't even have guidelines for ADHD in children under age 4.
"We're giving Adderall to 2-year-olds? I mean, that's nuts," said Dr. Lawrence H. Diller, a behavioral pediatrician. "There's no evidence that it works. There's no evidence that it's safe. These are desperate measures."
The conflict many doctors often face when diagnosing a toddler that may have ADHD is determining the difference between a 2-year-old that simply has lots of energy versus one that may be showing early signs of the disorder. Many physicians may resort to ADHD medications to keep the child from hurting themselves. Diller claimed that while the U.S. makes up only 4 percent of the world's total population, it uses 70 percent of the world's Adderall and Ritalin.
Among the concerns associated with giving these drugs to young children is the potential development of insomnia and hallucinations, as well as having their growth stunted.
The report adds that approximately 11 percent of American children 4-17 years of age have been diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD in children is typically associated with having trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or who are overly active, which can cause trouble at school or at home.
While the American Psychiatric Association claims that 5 percent of U.S. children have currently been diagnosed with ADHD, the CDC has conducted additional studies that claim over 11 percent of U.S, children have recently been diagnosed with ADHD, up from 7.8 percent in 2003.
