"My doctor told me that there is a new test to determine whether or not medication will work for a child. How do I find out about it?"
by Larry Silver, M.D.
Last year, a research team at the Medical University of South Carolina reported that it discovered a gene mutation directly involved in the metabolism of methylphenidate (Ritalin).
The researchers suggested that, some day, it might be possible for a genetic test to determine whether methylphenidate will be effective for a child with ADHD.
It often takes a long time to develop inexpensive and convenient clinical applications from basic research findings. For now, we still determine which stimulant will work best by trial and experience.
[Editor's Note: Read "Mutation Related to ADHD Drug Metabolism Discovered" at http://frd.musc.edu.]