A large new study in the United States has found that children aged four and five diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed medication much sooner than guidelines recommend. Medical advice states that young children should first undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting medication, but the study shows this is frequently bypassed.
The research, published in JAMA Network Open, included data from more than 9,700 children. It revealed that 42.2% of young patients were prescribed ADHD drugs within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% began medication after six months. Dr Yair Bannett, lead author and assistant professor of paediatrics at Stanford University, described the trend as “concerning,” noting that behavioural therapy has significant benefits for both children and their families.
ADHD affects around 11.4% of US children aged three to 17, causing symptoms such as distraction, forgetfulness, restlessness, and high energy. Experts emphasise that early behavioural interventions are crucial, as untreated ADHD can impact academic performance and long-term outcomes.
While medications like Ritalin or Concerta are generally considered safe for young children, side effects such as irritability, aggression, and emotional changes often lead some families to discontinue treatment. The study highlighted that limited access to behavioural therapy may contribute to the early reliance on medication.
The findings also point to a stark contrast between North America and Europe, where children are much less likely to receive ADHD medication at a young age. Researchers caution that the US-specific results may not fully apply to other regions.
