Ritalin (methylphenidate) - a stimulant similar to amphetamine and cocaine - remains one of the most prescribed drugs for the behavioral disorder ADHD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A new study in an animal model by a research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City suggests that the use of Ritalin by young children may cause long-term changes in the developing brain.

According to the study's senior author Dr. Teresa Milner, professor of neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College:

"The changes we saw in the brains of treated rats occurred in areas strongly linked to higher executive functioning, addiction and appetite, social relationships and stress. These alterations gradually disappeared over time once the rats no longer received the drug."

The findings - highlighted in the Journal of Neuroscience - cautions doctors to be very careful in their diagnosis of ADHD before prescribing Ritalin.

Find more details from the full report.

[Photo Credit: MSNBC]