ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether methylphenidate (MPH) and mixed salts amphetamine (MSA) have different effects on growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. METHOD: Patients treated for at least 1 year with MPH or MSA were identified. A linear regression was performed to determine the effect of stimulant type, patient gender, cumulative stimulant dose, and length of time in treatment on change in Z scores for height. A subset of patients was identified who had 3 years of consistent stimulant treatment on either MSA or MPH. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to examine the effects of time and medication type on Z scores for weight, height, and body mass index. RESULTS: The linear regression showed no effect of stimulant type, drug holidays, or length of time of treatment on change in height Z score. Cumulative dose of stimulant had a small (-0.26) relationship to change in height Z scores. For patients treated for 3 years, there were no effects of stimulant or time on height Z scores. MSA produced more decrease in weight and body mass index Z scores than MPH; all of the subjects were heavier than average at baseline. CONCLUSION: MSA and MPH did not differ in their effects on height. MSA had more of an effect on weight than MPH, although the effect was modest in magnitude and may be of limited clinical significance.
Subject(s)
Amphetamines/adverse effects , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/drug therapy , Body Height/drug effects , Body Weight/drug effects , Central Nervous System Stimulants/adverse effects , Methylphenidate/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems , Amphetamines/therapeutic use , Body Mass Index , Central Nervous System Stimulants/therapeutic use , Child , Clinical Trials as Topic , Delayed-Action Preparations , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Humans , Long-Term Care , Male , Methylphenidate/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore attitudes among leaders in psychiatric training about the usefulness of teaching college undergraduates about psychiatry and to assess benefits in recruitment and funding. METHOD: A survey of current practices and beliefs was sent to most adult and child psychiatry residency training directors (RTDs) and Chairs of academic departments of psychiatry in the U.S.). A follow-up survey was then sent to RTDs at responding programs that teach undergraduates. Interviews were also conducted with education experts to learn about the potential financial benefits of teaching undergraduates. RESULTS: Of the 289 (64%) respondents to the first survey, 237 (82%) expressed that teaching undergraduates might or would lead to increased recruitment. All RTDs at responding programs that offered courses answered the second survey, and four reported that undergraduate teaching brings in revenue. Experts confirmed the financial feasibility of these courses. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate psychiatry courses may increase overall recruitment and provide financial benefits for the departments that offer such courses.
