The first study has only 12 children and the second has only 25 children. There are no really good, long-term studies showing long-term academic gains in kids who take these meds. There is evidence that in some kids, it probably makes them prone to manic-depression or other types of mental illness.
I didn't post the studies to support or to oppose medication - the issues surrounding the decision to medicate or not to medicate at any given point in time are complex and need to be based on a thorough assessment of indivdual needs. I posted them in response to an observation about stimulant meds that were already being given to a particular child improving motor functioning while medicated. They are known to do that. No one is disputing that they are also known to have numerous negative side effects in some people.
