Investigating how ADHD medications affect bone health in children
Examining the Skeletal Effects of Psychostimulants
This study is looking at how ADHD medications might affect bone health in kids and teens aged 7 to 16 who are just starting these treatments, and it will compare their bone growth with that of other kids not on medication to see if there are any differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875407 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of psychostimulants, commonly prescribed for ADHD, on bone health in children and adolescents aged 7 to 16. The study will enroll participants who are starting these medications and will monitor their bone mineral content and density over a year using advanced imaging techniques. By comparing those on medication with unmedicated peers, the research aims to understand how these drugs may influence skeletal development and whether factors like sex and puberty play a role. The findings could provide crucial insights into the long-term effects of ADHD treatments on bone health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are otherwise healthy children and adolescents aged 7 to 16 who are about to start treatment with psychostimulants for ADHD.
Not a fit: Patients who are not starting psychostimulant treatment or those with existing bone health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for the safe use of ADHD medications in children, minimizing potential risks to bone health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential negative effects of psychostimulants on growth and bone health, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calarge, Chadi a. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Calarge, Chadi a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.