A large new analysis has found that US paediatricians frequently prescribe ADHD medication to very young children immediately after diagnosis, rather than following recommended guidelines. Medical authorities advise that children aged four and five who are newly diagnosed with ADHD 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 these young patients received ADHD medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% started treatment after six months. Lead author Dr Yair Bannett, an assistant professor at Stanford University, called the practice “concerning” and highlighted the benefits of behavioural therapy for both children and families.
ADHD affects an estimated 11.4% of US children aged three to 17 and can cause distraction, high energy levels, restlessness, and other challenges. Early identification and proper management are important, as untreated ADHD may impact academic performance and long-term development.
While the study did not raise safety concerns about the medications themselves, stimulants such as Ritalin and Concerta can cause irritability, aggression, and emotional changes, leading some families to discontinue use. Experts emphasize that medication should not be the only solution for ADHD and that a behavioural approach remains crucial.
The research also noted regional differences, with North American children far more likely to receive ADHD medication compared with their European peers, raising questions about access to behavioural therapies and prescribing practices.
