A new US study has found that paediatricians are frequently prescribing ADHD medication to 4- and 5-year-olds immediately after diagnosis, despite guidelines recommending six months of behavioural therapy first.
The analysis, published in JAMA Network Open and covering more than 9,700 children, showed that 42.2% of young patients received drugs such as Ritalin or Concerta within one month of diagnosis. Only 14.1% began medication after the recommended six-month therapy period.
Lead author Dr Yair Bannett of Stanford University called the trend “concerning,” stressing that behavioural approaches have a strong positive impact on both children and families. Experts say early detection is vital, but starting with therapy can help children build long-term coping skills before resorting to medication.
Access to behavioural treatment may be a key barrier, as many families turn to prescriptions first. While ADHD drugs are generally safe, they can cause irritability and aggression, leading some parents to stop treatment. The findings highlight a growing gap between clinical guidelines and real-world practice in the US, where ADHD medication use is significantly higher than in Europe.
