Study: Ritalin may have negative long-term effects in young children

July 19, 2007 (WLS) -- The attention deficit drug Ritalin may trigger long-term changes in the brains of young children.

Researchers Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City conducted the study.

After looking at the brains of young rats, they found changes in the brain areas which control higher executive functioning, addiction and appetite, social relationships and stress.

They noted that these changes gradually disappeared as the rats were taken off the drug.

Scientists warn doctors must be careful in diagnosing ADHD and prescribing Ritalin because the brain changes.

It could help children with the disorder but could cause harm to children with healthy brains.

The study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

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