A major US study has found that many paediatricians prescribe ADHD medication to children as young as four and five immediately after diagnosis, despite guidelines recommending six months of behavioural therapy first.
The analysis, published in JAMA Network Open and based on more than 9,700 children, revealed that 42% of young patients received medication within a month of diagnosis, while only 14% began treatment after the recommended six-month delay.
Experts warn this rush to medicate overlooks the benefits of behavioural therapy, which can help children develop coping skills and improve family dynamics. Although ADHD drugs like Ritalin and Concerta are considered safe, they can cause side effects such as irritability and aggression, leading many families to discontinue them.
Researchers suggest the trend may be linked to limited access to behavioural therapy in the US. They also noted that American children are more likely to be prescribed ADHD medication compared to their peers in Europe.
