Brain Atrophy Caused by Methylphenidate

Nasrallah et al. (1986) found a small but measurable degree of atrophy of the brain in more than half of 24 young adults with prior stimulant-treated hyperactivity during childhood. The authors suggested, Cortical atrophy may be a long-term adverse effect of [stimulant] treatment (p. 245). 

Several brain scan studies have claimed to demonstrate brain abnormalities associated with ADHD (Giedd et al., 1994 Hynd et al., 1991 Lou et al., 1984). Most of the studies have found relatively small brain structures in various parts of the frontal lobes and basal ganglia in children diagnosed with ADHD. The differences were based on comparisons between groups of normals and groups of children labeled ADHD. The findings are not perceptible on a case-by-case basis and cannot be used for diagnostic purposes. 

6 AMPH Perseverative drawing and writing at home counting puzzle pieces 

6 AMPH Perseverative play with Legos and puzzles (36 hours with Legos with no breaks to eat or sleep) 

7 AMPH Rewriting work overerasing repetitive checking of work overly neat and organized at home 

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