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Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aged four to five are being prescribed medication too swiftly, contrary to medical guidelines, which suggest a six-month course of behavioural therapy prior to medication according to a recent study in the United States. The study analyzed more than 9,700 US children and was published in JAMA Network Open.
Dr Yair Bannett, the study’s lead author and assistant professor of paediatrics at Stanford University, noted that the immediate prescription of ADHD drugs upon diagnosis is concerning, as starting treatment with behavioral approaches is known to be beneficial for both the child and the family.
Approximately 11.4 per cent of children in the US, aged between three and 17, have been diagnosed with ADHD, a condition that can manifest as distraction, forgetfulness, high energy, restlessness, and other symptoms. Experts emphasize the importance of detecting ADHD early, as it can otherwise affect academic performance and long-term life trajectories.
Treatment predominantly involves behavioral therapy, where children learn to develop skills and habits that assist with daily functioning, and medications like Ritalin or Concerta, which help reduce hyperactivity and inattentiveness. For children diagnosed at ages four or five, guidelines recommend beginning with six months of behavioral therapy.
However, the study found that 42.2 per cent of children were prescribed ADHD medication within a month of diagnosis, with only 14.1 per cent receiving medication more than six months later.
The researchers suggest that a lack of access to behavioral treatment could be a reason for this trend. While the study does not raise concerns about the safety of medications for young children, many children stop taking them due to side effects, leading parents to conclude that the side effects outweigh the benefits.
Dr. Bannett stated that medication is not considered the sole solution for ADHD.
The study has some limitations, being conducted in the US and thus its findings might not apply directly in Europe or other parts of the world. Other research indicates that children in North America are more likely to receive ADHD medication compared to their European counterparts.
