Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most often diagnosed mental illnesses, with incidence rates ranging from 3% to 4%. Medication is frequently used to treat the primary symptoms of the illness, which include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Since it’s a developmental disorder, the symptoms start to show during childhood, before the age of twelve. Making and keeping friends may be challenging due to the symptoms, which can also make it difficult to function at home and at school.
“Should my child with ADHD be on medication?” and “What are the downsides of medication?” are two questions that parents ask me frequently. despite the fact that, as a psychologist, I oppose drug use. “Aren’t there too many kids on medication anyway?” they then pose. frequently after that. Answers to these questions about methylphenidate in particular can be found in a research that was released in the BMJ last fall for parents and medical professionals.
Methylphenidate is the drug for ADHD that is most commonly prescribed worldwide. It is linked to several brand names, including Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana, and Quillivant. Though this medication has been used for more than 50 years to treat ADHD and has been shown to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, there had not been comprehensive, systematic assessments of the benefits and drawbacks of this medication prior to this study.
What we’ve learned about methylphenidate
The researchers read through hundreds of papers that examined methylphenidate’s effect on ADHD in order to perform the study. Their investigation showed that methylphenidate does improve children’s performance in the classroom. Put another way, teachers observed improved behavior overall and a decrease in ADHD symptoms in students who were taking medication for the disorder. Additionally, parents who mentioned that their kids took medication claimed that the family’s quality of life was higher.
On the other hand, there is some evidence that methylphenidate may have unfavorable effects, like lower appetite and trouble sleeping. These unpleasant effects are what we call “non-serious adverse effects.” However, if you’re the parent of a child who isn’t eating or sleeping, they could seem rather serious. The good news is that there is no evidence linking methylphenidate to more severe side effects, like those that could be fatal, need hospitalization, or result in a permanent condition.
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What should parents do?
What does this mean for parents who are on the fence about prescribing an ADHD medication for their child? First off, the most often given medication, methylphenidate, doesn’t cause serious, long-term problems for users. Most likely, it won’t. Second, since methylphenidate use impacts a significant portion of children (about 25%, according to this study), parents should prepare for their kids to experience mild, temporary side effects such problems eating and sleeping. By understanding that issues such as these can arise and that they might improve as a kid becomes used to the drug, parents can anticipate potential solutions, such as having a substantial meal before taking the medication or lowering the amount if sleep is an issue. A child’s pediatrician may discuss all of these with them, and once these issues are identified, there are solutions available. Finally, parents should feel reassured by the fact that these medications can improve a child’s behavior in general at school, improve a family’s quality of life at home, and reduce problems with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and concentration.
ADHD medication: The bigger picture
This study does not address the question of whether there are too many children receiving medication. It’s noteworthy to mention that further studies have shown that up to half of children with severe mental and developmental problems do not receive therapy, ranging from one-third to forty percent. For many people, this revelation is often shocking. That is a sizable proportion of kids who need help, whether it be with counseling, school support, or (in some situations) medicine. Furthermore, this study only looks at one medicine, even though it is the most frequently prescribed one.
Selecting the right course of action for your ADHD child may be challenging. For kids with ADHD, there are alternatives to medication; studies suggest that certain behavioral interventions may also be effective in fostering the development of new skills. In fact, it appears from recent research that a hybrid approach might be more effective. Stated differently, medication can optimize the advantages of non-pharmacological treatments such as psychotherapy and kid-focused instructional materials. When methylphenidate medication is administered correctly by a doctor who is experienced in treating these illnesses, the risks are most likely not larger than the benefits in most circumstances.
