A new study has found that US paediatricians often prescribe ADHD medication to very young children far sooner than recommended. Current guidelines advise that children aged four and five who are newly diagnosed with ADHD should first undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting medication.
The analysis, published in JAMA Network Open, looked at data from more than 9,700 children and revealed that 42.2% received medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% waited six months or longer. Lead author Dr Yair Bannett, an assistant professor at Stanford University, described the practice as “concerning,” highlighting the benefits of starting treatment with behavioural therapy for both children and their families.
ADHD affects an estimated 11.4% of US children aged three to 17 and can lead to high energy levels, distraction, restlessness, and forgetfulness. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated ADHD may impact academic performance and long-term outcomes.
While medication such as Ritalin or Concerta can help control symptoms, many children stop taking them due to side effects like irritability or aggression. Most experts recommend a combination of behavioural therapy and medication, but for children aged four or five, therapy should be the first step.
The study also notes that limited access to behavioural therapy may be a key factor in the early reliance on medication. Researchers caution that the findings are US-specific, but other studies indicate that children in North America are far more likely to be prescribed ADHD drugs than their European peers.
