Skin Patch for ADHD Approved

Posted by Greg Cruey Apr 9, 2006

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a skin patch for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for kids age six to 12, according to the Associated Press. The patch, called Daytrana, is meant to be worn for up to nine hours. The patch is intended for children who have difficulty swallowing pills. Not everyone is happy about the development. Dr. David Katz, a medical contributor to ABC News' "Good Morning America" questions whether the patch will add to what he sees as over prescribing of ADHD drugs. According to Katz, one in every ten 12-year-old boys in the U.S. is on an ADHD drug. While Katz acknowledges that ADHD is a real condition that needs treatment, he thinks the medications are being used much of the time as a treatment for "rambunctiousness."