A new study reveals that the stimulants taken to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD are the reason why children and teenagers with the condition are twice as likely to be physically or emotionally bullied as those without it.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that students with ADHD, especially those in middle school and high school, are being forced by their peers to share or sell medications such as Ritalin. While it has long been known that kids with ADHD have a harder time making and keeping friends and are bullied and victimised more, this study is believed to be the first to look at how stimulant medications affect their relationships with peers.

“Many youth with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications to treat their ADHD and we know that these medications are the most frequently shared or sold among adolescents,” says Quyen Epstein-Ngo, a licensed clinical psychologist and the study's first author. She is also a research assistant professor at the university’s Institute for Research on Women and Gender.

For the study, the researchers surveyed nearly 5,000 middle and high school students over four years. About 15 percent were diagnosed with ADHD and roughly four percent were prescribed stimulants within the past 12 months.

Of those who took ADHD meds, 20 percent reported being approached or bullied to sell or share them, and about half of them did.

While it's unclear why kids with prescriptions for stimulant medications are more at risk for bullying and victimization, Epstein-Ngo believes the biggest takeaway is to have compassion for kids with ADHD.

She also says the findings should not scare parents away from considering a stimulant medication. Instead, the study reinforces why parents must talk to kids about never sharing their medications, Epstein-Ngo notes.

"For some children stimulant medications are immensely helpful in getting through school. This study doesn't say 'don't give your child medication.' It suggests that it's really important to talk to your children about who they tell," Epstein-Ngo says.

ADHD, a developmental problem which results in poor concentration and control of impulses, can affect children's learning and social skills, and also family functioning. About three to five of every 100 children in Australia have ADHD, according to The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, and it is known to be much more common in boys than girls.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below.