Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications and bone mineral density of adults in the United States

Several medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with diminished bone mineral density (BMD) in children. The objective of this study was to determine if evidence exists for a similar association among adults. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected by the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2018. Data from 7961 individuals aged 18 to 50, 79 of whom were taking medications to treat ADHD. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans provided measure of body composition. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between ADHD medication use and body composition. Stimulant ADHD medication usage was found to be associated with decreased BMD in both the skull (−6.6%; 95% CI 5.9–7.2) (P 0.05. This study using a nationally representative sample assessed whether stimulant medication use in adults with ADHD was associated with decreased BMD. The overall results are inconclusive. Further study is needed to better evaluate if ADHD and/or stimulant medication use is independently associated with bone health. •Stimulant ADHD medication use in adults is associated with decreased bone mineral in the skull and thoracic spine.•No other areas of axial or appendicular skeleton showed significant differences.•There was no dose-response effect between stimulant medication use and bone mineral density.•The overall effect of stimulant medications on adult bone health is unclear.