What are Medication Treatment Options for Childhood ADHD?

Published on March 7, 2023 by Angie J

"Should I let my child take ADHD medication?" is a question that many parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ask themselves. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children worldwide, making it difficult for them to concentrate, control their impulses, and complete tasks. ADHD can have a significant impact on a child's academic performance, social interactions, and self-esteem.

While there is no cure for ADHD, medication is often recommended as part of the treatment plan. However, you may be hesitant to give their child medication due to concerns about side effects, long-term effects, or the belief that medication is not necessary. This article will help you to understand the different kinds of medication used to treat children with ADHD, how they work, their potential benefits and risks, and some of the myths surrounding childhood ADHD medication.

Different types of medications for ADHD treatment

You may be interested to know that there are several medications that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include:

Stimulant medications: Medications for ADHD called stimulants work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help improve attention and focus. These medicines are usually the first choice for treatment and can be helpful, but they can also have some side effects, like not feeling hungry, trouble sleeping, and feeling easily annoyed.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combination (Adderall, Mydayis)
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

Non-stimulant medications: Non-stimulant medications work differently than stimulants and can be a better option for some people who cannot handle stimulants or have medical issues that make them dangerous. These medications may have fewer side effects, but they may also take more time to work and may not work as well for everyone.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Clonidine (Kapvay)

How long should my child take the medication?

Suppose you have made the decision for your child to take medication, but the question is, how long should he or she take it for? The duration of medication treatment for ADHD varies depending on the individual's needs and circumstances. Some people with ADHD may only need medication for a short period of time, while others may need to take medication for a longer period of time, or even throughout their life.

For children with ADHD, medication treatment is typically recommended for as long as the symptoms are causing significant impairment in daily functioning, such as at school or in social situations. In some cases, medication may be stopped or reduced after a certain period of time if the child's symptoms have improved and their functioning has improved.

You should always remember that the duration of medication treatment for ADHD should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional, based on the individual's specific needs and medical history. In some cases, medication may need to be adjusted or stopped due to side effects or other concerns.

Common myth of ADHD medications

You probably have heard about several myths surrounding childhood ADHD medications. Note that these are not always true. Some of these include:

ADHD medication is a "quick fix" or a cure: While medication can be an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, it is not a cure and does not address the underlying causes of ADHD.
ADHD medication is over-prescribed: While there are concerns about overdiagnosis and overmedication of ADHD, research suggests that many children with ADHD do not receive adequate treatment, and that medication can be an important part of treatment for those who do.
ADHD medication is addictive: While some ADHD medications can be habit-forming and may be abused, when used as directed under the supervision of a healthcare professional, the risk of addiction is low.
ADHD medication turns children into zombies: While some children may experience side effects from ADHD medication, such as loss of appetite or trouble sleeping, most children are able to function normally and engage in daily activities while taking medication.
ADHD medication is a form of "doping" or cheating: This myth is based on the assumption that ADHD medication enhances performance in school or other activities, but research suggests that while medication can help children with ADHD better control their symptoms, it does not enhance overall cognitive ability or academic achievement beyond what would be expected for children without ADHD.

Optimizing Childhood ADHD Treatment

Medication treatment is a common and effective approach for managing ADHD symptoms in children. While medication can be effective, it is important for you to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for each child with ADHD, taking into account their specific needs and medical history. Behavioral therapy, such as parent training, behavioral classroom interventions, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may also be used in conjunction with medication to provide a comprehensive approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Ultimately, the goal of medication treatment is to help children with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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