ADHD medication for kids: Is it safe? Does it help?

This study doesn’t answer the question of whether there are too many children on medication. Interestingly (and often surprisingly, for many people), other studies have shown that at least one-third and up to one-half of children with significant developmental and psychological problems go untreated. That’s a lot of kids who need help, either through some sort of therapy, educational support, or (for some) medication. This study also only addresses one medication, although it is the one that is most popularly prescribed. Deciding what treatment option to use when you have a child with ADHD isn’t easy. Medication isn’t the only option, as there are data that show some behavioral treatments that can help children with ADHD learn different skills are also effective. In fact, recent studies indicate that a combination approach might be best. In other words, medication can help kids to get more out of non-medication treatments such as therapy and school supports. When prescribed correctly by a medical doctor who understands and commonly treats these issues, the downsides of medication with methylphenidate probably do not outweigh the positives in most cases. Related Post:Is it ADHD—or Autism?More than just a game: Yoga for school-age childrenLooking for AutismCold and flu warning: The dangers of too much acetaminophen10 ways to raise a healthy eaterThe post ADHD medication for kids: Is it safe? Does it help? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Source: New Harvard Health Information - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Behavioral Health Brain and cognitive health Children's Health Drugs and Supplements Parenting ADHD ADHD medications Source Type: news