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Slowing of growth in height and weight on stimulants: a characteristic pattern

A Poulton1, C T Cowell

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. tbraj@bigpond.net.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|March 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children on stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder experienced decreased height and weight velocity, particularly in the first six months. This growth pattern requires monitoring during treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with stimulant medications.
  • The impact of these medications on pediatric growth patterns requires careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the growth patterns of children initiating stimulant medication.
  • To analyze changes in height, weight, and height velocity over time in treated ADHD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of growth data from a pediatric practice.
  • Analysis of data from 51 children (44 boys, 7 girls) treated with dexamphetamine or methylphenidate for 6-42 months.

Main Results:

  • 86% of children showed below-average height velocity in the first 6 months; 76% experienced weight loss.
  • A statistically significant progressive decline in height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS) was observed after 6 and 18 months.
  • Height velocity was significantly attenuated for up to 30 months, with the most pronounced effect in the initial 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Stimulant medication is associated with a decrease in height and weight SDS.
  • This effect is evident within the first 6-30 months of treatment.
  • A characteristic pattern emerges on growth charts for children receiving stimulant therapy.
Abstract

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