I found this posted on alt.support.attn-deficit and thought some of you might find it interesting.  I was especially interested in the part about the therapeutic effects of stimulants.

Brain Abnormality Linked to Hyperactivity Disorder

2 hours, 18 minutes ago


CHICAGO (Reuters) - Brain scans of children with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder show abnormalities in the fiber pathways along which
brain signals pass, scientists said on Monday.

The finding indicates the disorder may be more than just a chemical
imbalance, they added.

Using an imaging technique called diffusion tensor imaging, researchers
found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may
affect communication between key areas of the brain -- the frontal cortex,
basal ganglia, brain stem and cerebellum.

"These areas are involved in the process that regulate attention, impulsive
behavior, motor activity, and inhibition -- the key symptoms in ADHD
children," said lead researcher Manzar Ashtari, an associate professor of
radiology and psychiatry at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in
New Hyde Park, New York.

In another study, Ashtari found the brain irregularities diminished in
children who had been medicated with stimulant drugs for an average of 2 1/2
years.

"The findings ... indicate that the therapeutic effect of stimulants may
involve a brain normalization process," said co-researcher Sanjiv Kumra, a
psychiatrist at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York.

Note to Jan Drew: This means that the use of medication actually helps to
fix the underlying problem.


"Typically, ADHD is described as a chemical imbalance, but our research has
shown that there may also be subtle anatomical differences in areas of the
brain that are important in this disorder," Kumra said.

Between 3 percent and 5 percent of American children are diagnosed with
ADHD. Millions take stimulants to counteract the behavior, which can be
disruptive both at home and in school and can lead to problems later in
life.

The research was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society
of North America.

Very interesting!!!!!  I wonder why more research hasn't been done on ADHD.  It seems that Down's syndrome and Autism get more attention.  ADHD children are viewed as brats with no self-control.  I would love to see a movie or TV series that addresses this disorder.  The public needs to be more informed about ADHD.  We all have very smart charming children who didn't ask to be born with a brain that is unique!!!!  Parents who choose to medicate shouldn't be viewed as lazy parents who would rather medicate than deal with our kid's behavior!!!! 

Keep up with the research!!!!

Kimsmom

Geez - thanks heaps - Anything to back up what we are doing brings relief. 

I have heard a lot of parents say their kids dont need the meds after a couple of years.  Interesting isnt it?

Rae