Cardiovascular Effects of ADHD Therapies: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Although the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been stable over the past 3 decades, prescriptions of sympathomimetic stimulants have steadily increased in the United States. This study consisted of a systematic review of PubMed articles screened for ADHD medications and potential cardiovascular toxicity as well as nondrug strategies for managing ADHD. The cumulative body of data showed that ADHD medications cause modest elevations in resting heart rate and blood pressure.

Health-related quality of life and cost impact of irritable bowel syndrome in a UK primary care setting.

Objectives: To identify the impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), time off work and the utilisation and cost of health services.

Design: A case-control study was undertaken matching patients with IBS and controls. Quality-of-life information was collected using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) health survey, EuroQOL instrument (EQ-5D) and IBS Quality-of-Life (IBS-QOL) instruments.