The number of children diagnosed and treated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder now stands at about 5 million, according to one estimate. The question has arisen concerning whether the use of prescribed stimulants predisposes kids to later drug abuse. According to Dr. Peter Breggin, Director of the International Center for the study of Psychiatry and Psychology, Methylphenidate, amphetamine, and cocaine affect the same neurotransmitter systems, and so use of Ritalin and similar drugs may result in use of illegal stimulants. Nadine Lambert has conducted research which showed that ADHD children medicated with stimulants are more likely to start using illegal drugs than are other children. However, a study by Biedermans, Wilens , et al found that medication for ADHD reduced the likelihood of later substance abuse.
Present treatments address only core symptoms, and do little to improve academic or social outcomes.
There is no data on treatment of the inattentive type of ADHD, which tends to affect more girls. Alternate treatments, ranging from dietary adjustments to biofeedback, have been tried with various results. Since knowledge of causation is only speculative, there are no strategies for prevention. Wide variation exists among practitioners with regard to diagnosis and treatment, with primary care physicians diagnosing and prescribing medications more readily than specialists. No clear neurological or physiological correlates of the disorder have been identified.