Behaviour disorders are an injury risk for kids and teens
14 February 2003
Children and adolescents with a behaviour disorder are at risk of injury, a finding that cannot be explained by overactivity, impulsiveness or inattention.
Canadian researchers said doctors may need to counsel parents on injury risk and suggest specialised driving instruction for patients in their teens (Pediatrics 2003; 111: 262-69).
When they looked at more than 16,800 children taking the medication methylphenidate (available in Australia by the brand name Ritalin) for a behaviour disorder, they found they were at least at a 50 per cent increased risk of injury compared with a control group of children who were neither diagnosed with a behaviour disorder nor taking this medication. But this does not imply a causative relationship with methylphenidate, they said.
Children with behaviour disorders risk injuries from falls, postoperative complications, motor vehicle accidents, adverse effects of drugs and being struck by an object, but not from drowning or suffocation.
Taking into consideration age, gender and socioeconomic status did not affect the results.
Last Reviewed: 14 February 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 14/02/03
