Recently published study in the Journal of Health Economics looked at the effects of stimulant-based medications on the long-term academic performance of children. What did they find? You guessed it! Although these drugs are given to keep children focused and calm, they actually negatively affected their ability to sustain attention and did not improve their academic performance.  Not only did the children on ADHD medication do worse on testing, but some even had to repeat a grade. It was also noted that increased drug use increased depression in girls.

Psychologist L. Alan Sroufe stated in The New York Times “Attention-deficit drugs increase concentration in the short term, which is why they work so well for college students cramming for exams. But when given to children over long periods of time, they neither improve school achievement nor reduce behavior problems. The drugs can also have serious side effects, including stunting growth.”

“To date, NO study has found any long-term benefit of attention-deficit medication on academic performance, peer relationships or behavior problems, the very things we would most want to improve….Putting children on drugs does nothing to change the conditions that derail their development in the first place.”

Unfortunately, these findings leave many parents wondering how to best help their children with ADD/ADHD.  One thing we do know for sure, there is no one answer for every child.  There is no “cookie-cutter” approach.  There are alternatives and combination of approaches that can be individualized for each child.  Use what works best from various treatment protocols. Parents must listen to their children and work with them to find the methods that best fits their needs.

ADHD professionals can focus on areas that medicine simply cannot: organization, controlling anger, reducing stress and impulsive behavior, and time management.  No matter what your choice, good health is the goal.  Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and exercise outdoors in the fresh air.

For an individualized consultation call my office 530-527-1774. I am here to help.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Dave