Study finds early Ritalin exposure may have long-term effects.

A new study conducted in rats by Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that the misdiagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with prescription drug use in children may lead to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in adulthood.

The study, which was released at the annual American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) conference in Puerto Rico, is among the first to examine the effects of early Ritalin exposure in rats on behavior and brain function during later periods of life.

"Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be a serious medical problem for children and …