More ADHD Adherence News

I picked this blip up from spiritindia.com, which calls itself "an amazing health tech site". I'll look into it more.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Alliant's Methylin Chewable Tablets and Methylin Oral Solution and the pediatric specialty pharmaceutical company said the goal is to increase compliance.

Dr. Lyndon Waugh of Emory University said children often have difficulty swallowing pills so the new offerings could help ensure they take their medication. It's estimated up to 26 percent of the general population has difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules and the percentage is considered higher for children.

ADHD is a brain disorder that causes children to exhibit inappropriate impulsivity or inattention. It is estimated that 7 percent of school-age children and 4 percent of adults suffer from ADHD, one of the most commonly reported behavioral problems.

My Comment

When I was young (34 now), I had the Flintstone chewable vitamins, as well as the St. Joseph's aspirin, so does this really come as a shock that kids have a difficult time with tablets and pills? Luckily I never suffered from ADHD or any deficit disorders, but hasn't that been the "easy" diagnosis for doctors for many years now? But 7% doesn't seem that high. Maybe I'm confused with ADD?

I know the parameters for diagnosing autism in children have gotten less stringent, raising the diagnosed numbers. But shouldn't ADHD be higher as well?

All I know if that anything pharma does to increase adherence is OK in my book.