Medications prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may not be limited to relieving immediate symptoms. Recent data reveals they also have an effect on risk-taking behaviors.
This discovery is based on a large international study conducted in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Researchers analyzed the effects of pharmacological treatments on thousands of patients. This study revealed a decrease in suicidal behaviors, addictions, traffic accidents, and even crimes.
Pixabay illustration image A widespread disorder with serious consequences
ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and nearly 2.5% of adults worldwide. Those affected often present with attention difficulties, marked impulsivity, and persistent hyperactivity.
These characteristics increase the risk of dangerous behaviors or dramatic situations, such as suicide attempts, substance use, or accidents. They consequently lead to overrepresentation in the judicial system.
Medication treatments, primarily psychostimulants like methylphenidate, are already widely used to reduce symptoms. The study shows that these treatments can have effects that go beyond the strict framework of symptom control.
A novel methodology to measure impact
Researchers utilized Swedish national registers between 2017 and 2018, including nearly 150,000 recently diagnosed patients. Each individual could thus be followed for 2 years after starting or not starting treatment.
Using an approach called "target trial emulation," data from medical and judicial records were analyzed as if they came from an actual clinical trial. This method allows for more reliable group comparisons and reduces errors related to patient differences.
The results indicate that taking treatment significantly reduced several risks: -25% risk of having drug or alcohol problems, -17% risk of suicidal behavior, -12% risk of causing a traffic accident, and -13% risk of committing a crime.
Differential benefits depending on treatments
Stimulant medications prove more effective than non-stimulants, particularly regarding drug use and criminal behaviors. Methylphenidate remains the most prescribed treatment, representing over 80% of prescriptions.
Researchers emphasize that the positive effects would be explained by better regulation of impulsivity and increased attention. This would reduce aggressive behaviors, dangerous distractions while driving, or addictive relapses.
These data confirm current clinical recommendations, which favor stimulants as first-line treatment, but also remind us that medical follow-up remains essential to adapt treatment.
An impact that goes beyond individual health
For patients, the benefits go far beyond improving daily symptoms. Treatments can promote better social, academic, and professional integration.
At the collective level, the results give public authorities arguments to strengthen access to care. Fewer suicides, addictions, and offenses also represent a positive impact on society.
The authors believe that lack of access to treatments constitutes a major ethical issue. In England for example, a national NHS task force is currently working to reduce these inequalities.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND