A major US study has found that many 4- and 5-year-olds diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prescribed medication far earlier than medical guidelines recommend. Experts advise that children in this age group should first undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting drugs, but analysis of more than 9,700 cases revealed that 42% were given medication within a month of diagnosis. Only 14% received prescriptions after the recommended therapy-first approach.
Researchers say the findings, published in JAMA Network Open, highlight concerns over treatment practices. “Starting ADHD treatment with a behavioural approach is beneficial,” said lead author Dr Yair Bannett of Stanford University, stressing that therapy can improve both family life and long-term outcomes for children. While medication such as Ritalin or Concerta can be highly effective, side effects like irritability and aggression often lead families to discontinue use.
Access to behavioural therapy may be one reason behind the heavy reliance on medication, the study suggests. In the US, more than 11% of children aged 3–17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, and rates of prescribing remain significantly higher than in Europe. Specialists warn that while early treatment is crucial, medication should not be viewed as the only solution.
