A new study in the United States has found that children as young as four and five with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed medication immediately after diagnosis, rather than starting with behavioural therapy as recommended. Medical guidelines advise that newly diagnosed young children undergo six months of behavioural therapy before beginning medication.
The analysis, published in JAMA Network Open, included more than 9,700 US children. It revealed that 42.2% were prescribed ADHD medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% began treatment after six months. Lead author Dr Yair Bannett, an assistant professor of paediatrics at Stanford University, described the findings as “concerning,” noting that behavioural approaches provide significant benefits for both children and families.
ADHD affects an estimated 11.4% of US children aged three to 17 and can lead to distractibility, hyperactivity, restlessness, and learning difficulties. Specialists stress that early detection is important, as untreated ADHD can affect academic performance and future outcomes.
While the study found the medications themselves are generally safe for young children, side effects such as irritability and aggression often lead parents to discontinue treatment. Access to behavioural therapy may also be limited, contributing to the rapid prescription of medication.
Researchers caution that the study reflects US practice and may not apply elsewhere. Other research shows that children in North America are much more likely to receive ADHD medication than peers in Europe.
