A large new analysis in the United States has found that young children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed medication much sooner than recommended. Current guidelines advise that four- and five-year-olds should first undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting drug treatment.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open and including over 9,700 children, revealed that 42.2% of children received ADHD medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% started treatment after the recommended six-month period. Lead author Dr Yair Bannett, an assistant professor at Stanford University, called the findings “concerning,” noting that behavioural approaches have significant positive effects on both children and their families.
ADHD affects an estimated 11.4% of US children aged three to 17 and can lead to hyperactivity, distractibility, restlessness, and academic difficulties if left untreated. While most children benefit from a combination of behavioural therapy and medication, early therapy is considered crucial for long-term development.
The researchers suggested that limited access to behavioural interventions may drive the rapid use of medications such as Ritalin and Concerta. Although generally safe for young children, these drugs can cause side effects like irritability and aggression, which often lead parents to discontinue use.
The study highlights a marked difference in treatment approaches between North America and Europe, where young children are significantly less likely to be prescribed ADHD medication.
