In studies of genetically identical twins, only one of each twin pair was treated with stimulant medication, yet all the twins developed Tourette. Stimulants most likely do not cause Tourette. The data seem to indicate that stimulant medication may delay the onset of Tourette, if anything. There are about four to six studies on hyperactive girls that indicate that girls generally have the same symptoms as boys. No one can really understands why the described referral rate for boys is higher.
Many young girls have ADHD as severe as that of boys.
Hyperactive girls are being studied much more commonly now. Q. A parent of an ADHD child recently wrote an article on the pros and cons of medication - particularly Ritalin, a drug said to cause depression in children. There is no question that stimulants, when used in high doses or in particularly sensitive kids, can make children irritable, moody, and sad. The good news is that the medication wears off quickly, usually within three to four hours. Once the medication has worn off, a child's mood returns to normal and then the dosage should be reduced to eliminate further side effects.