Therapy with stimulant drugs appears to significantly decrease the chance of girls with attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD) starting to smoke, use alcohol or take drugs, a study has suggested.

Carried out by researchers at US institution Massachusetts General Hospital, the study is published in the October edition of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

The staff analysed data from 114 participants between the ages of six and 18 and used standardised assessments for use, abuse and dependence of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drugs five years after the study began.

"Comparing results from the 94 participants who received stimulant treatment with the 20 who had not been treated indicated that treatment cut in half the risk of smoking, drinking alcohol or drug abuse," the study stated.

Dr Timothy Wilens, leader of the study, said the staff suspect treatment "at least" delays the onset of smoking and substance abuse in girls with ADHD.

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