"Stimulants" cure hyperactivity but make you sad? Study: Long-term use of ADHD drugs increases risk of high blood pressure, arterial disease
Study of long-term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drug use: increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder of the brain, with an estimated global prevalence ranging from 5 to 12%. It is believed to be affected by receptor transport of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transport in the brain. Multiple genes influence together. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, such as difficulty concentrating, and executive dysfunction (easily distracted); hyperactivity and impulsivity include lack of self-control, tendency to talk too much, and tendency to behave without considering the consequences. Symptoms may affect daily life and persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of accidental death, comorbid mental illness (depression, substance abuse), and suicide.
The treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is divided into drug treatment and non-drug treatment. Drug treatment is divided into two categories: central nervous system stimulants (Methylphenidate) and non-central nervous system stimulants (Atomoxetine). Drug treatment can significantly improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The core symptoms of ADHD, and behavioral therapy can strengthen the development of good behaviors. However, recent studies have warned that long-term use of ADHD medications is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events—high blood pressure and clogged arteries.
Stimulant drugs increase risk of high blood pressure and arterial disease more than non-stimulants
A Swedish nested case-control study of more than 278,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD or prescribed ADHD medication included those with cardiovascular events. 10,388 people. The research team pointed out that long-term and continuous use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs has a statistically significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, with the most obvious increase in the risk of hypertension and arterial disease. And the risks of stimulants are higher than those of non-stimulants.
During 14 years of follow-up, cardiovascular risk increased by an average of 4% for each additional year of ADHD medication use, and by 8% during the first 3 years of cumulative medication use, before leveling off. Further analysis of the types of drugs found that compared with those who did not use drugs, patients with ADHD who used stimulants (Methylphenidate) for a long time for 3-5 years had an odds ratio of cardiovascular risk increased to 1.20, but it occurred on average every The daily dose is greater than 45 mg.
Regular attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment reduces risk of accidents and substance abuse
However, given the observational nature of the study and other variables, the study authors believe it is not possible to prove a direct causal link between use of ADHD medications and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A review co-signed by psychiatrists Samuele Cortese and Cristiano Fava also reminded that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is related to the risk of obesity, and obesity will further increase cardiovascular risks. Considering that hypertension is an important cause of cardiovascular disease and death worldwide, the risk of cardiovascular events in people who use ADHD drugs for a long time cannot be ignored.
Many large-scale studies have confirmed that appropriate treatment can reduce the functional impairment of ADHD. Samuele Cortese and Cristiano Fava also commented in the comments that although this study showed that long-term use of ADHD drugs, the average cardiovascular risk increased by 4% per year, but stabilized after 3 years of treatment. Considering the real-world Self-controlled studies show that patients with ADHD face behavioral risks such as physical injuries, accident risks, and drug abuse when not taking medication. Regular medication treatment can obviously reduce the above risks and help ADHD patients. When patients improve their learning performance, the best benefit to the patient should be considered in terms of actual clinical medication use.
Source:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Current Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases**
Further reading:
