Young Kids with ADHD Often Receive Ineffective Treatment: What Parents Need to Know

The Wrong Prescription: Why Young Kids with ADHD Are Getting the Treatment They Don't Need As a parent, there's nothing more terrifying than seeing your child struggle to focus in class or behave at home. For Emily Wilson, it was like watching her 4-year-old son, Max, spin out of control. "He would get so frustrated and angry that he'd lash out at his siblings," she recalls. "I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what." After a series of evaluations and assessments, the diagnosis came: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But what happened next was surprising – and alarming. Emily's pediatrician prescribed Max medication right off the bat, without even discussing behavioral therapy as an option. "I felt like I was being rushed into making a decision," she says. "I didn't know if this was really the best choice for my child." Emily is not alone. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly 70% of preschoolers with ADHD are prescribed medication within two weeks of diagnosis, despite medical guidelines recommending six months of behavioral therapy first. This trend raises concerns about the long-term effects of early medication on young children's developing brains and bodies. "We're essentially medicating our way through childhood," says Dr. Ramesh Raghavan, a pediatrician at Stanford University and lead author of the study. "But we need to be careful not to overlook the potential risks and side effects." So what's driving this trend? According to Dr. Raghavan, it's a combination of factors: limited access to behavioral therapy services, physician pressures to prescribe medication quickly, and a lack of understanding about ADHD itself. Behavioral therapy, which focuses on teaching children skills like self-regulation, organization, and social skills, is often the most effective treatment for young children with ADHD. But many families struggle to find therapists who specialize in working with preschoolers, or who accept their insurance plans. Meanwhile, pediatricians may feel pressure from parents to prescribe medication quickly, especially if they're seeing multiple patients with similar symptoms. "It's a complex issue," says Dr. Raghavan. "But we need to prioritize the best interests of our young patients." Emily's experience highlights the importance of taking a step back and considering all options before medicating your child. With Max, she sought out a second opinion from a specialist who recommended a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The results were transformative: Max began to thrive in school, and his behavior at home improved dramatically. As a parent, it's natural to want to fix the problems that are plaguing your child. But with ADHD, it's essential to take a holistic approach that considers their unique needs and circumstances. By prioritizing behavioral therapy and working closely with healthcare professionals, you can help your child develop the skills they need to succeed – without resorting to medication as a quick fix. What Parents Can Do Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician about the benefits and risks of medication for your child. Seek out behavioral therapy: Look for therapists who specialize in working with preschoolers, or consider online resources that offer virtual therapy sessions. Be patient: It may take time to find the right therapist or develop a treatment plan that works for your child. By taking a thoughtful and informed approach to treating ADHD, we can help our children thrive – without putting their long-term health at risk. *Based on reporting by Sciencedaily.*