Common Medication Myths
Addressing misconceptions about ADHD medication with evidence. Making informed decisions requires accurate information.
Myths and misconceptions about ADHD medication can prevent children from getting effective treatment, or cause unnecessary fear and guilt in parents considering medication.
Our aim is to provide accurate information so you can make an informed decision - whether that decision is to try medication, not try it, or discuss it further with your clinician.
Common myths vs reality
Nuance: If a child seems "zombie-like", flat, or unlike themselves, this is a sign the dose may be too high or the medication isn't right for them. This is not the goal and should be discussed with the clinician.
Evidence: Studies show children and adults generally report feeling "more like themselves" on appropriate medication.
Nuance: Untreated ADHD is a risk factor for substance abuse. Impulsivity and self-medication with substances are reduced when ADHD is effectively treated.
Evidence: Meta-analyses show ADHD medication is protective against, not causative of, later substance use disorders.
Nuance: Growth should be monitored. Any concerns should be discussed. Most children reach expected adult height. Some evidence suggests growth catches up after medication is stopped.
Evidence: Long-term studies show minimal impact on final adult height. Growth monitoring is standard practice.
Nuance: Diagnosis should be based on proper clinical assessment, not response to medication. However, significant improvement in someone with diagnosed ADHD supports that the diagnosis is correct.
Evidence: Studies show stimulants improve attention in neurotypical individuals too. Diagnosis must precede treatment.
Nuance: Some families choose breaks to manage side effects or allow catch-up eating/growth. Others find symptoms impair home life too. This should be a shared decision with your clinician.
Evidence: No strong evidence either way. Should be based on individual circumstances and how impairing symptoms are outside school.
Nuance: ADHD is a brain-based condition affecting executive function. Medication addresses the underlying neurotransmitter differences. Good parenting and support are still essential.
Evidence: ADHD is one of the most well-researched conditions in medicine. Medication is evidence-based treatment, not a shortcut.
Nuance: Some people do need dose adjustments over time, but this is different from addiction-related tolerance. If medication seems to stop working, other factors should be explored.
Evidence: Studies show stable dosing is typical once optimal dose is found. Changes often reflect development or life stage changes.
Nuance: The decision should weigh severity of impairment, response to other strategies, and family preferences. For significant impairment, delaying effective treatment can cause harm.
Evidence: NICE (UK) and AAP (US) guidelines recommend medication as appropriate for moderate-severe ADHD in children 6+.
Nuance: Healthy lifestyle (sleep, exercise, nutrition) supports brain function and should be part of treatment. But they don't replace medication when medication is indicated.
Evidence: Systematic reviews show no supplement approaches the effect size of medication for core ADHD symptoms.
Nuance: Video games are designed to capture attention with immediate rewards. School and homework lack these features. This difference is the problem medication addresses.
Evidence: ADHD is understood as an interest-based nervous system, not an attention deficit. Hyperfocus is well-documented.
Valid concerns to discuss
Not everything is a myth. These are legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful discussion.
Side effects are real and should be monitored. Most are manageable, and medication can be adjusted or changed if needed. Discuss specific concerns with your clinician.
Stimulants have been used for 50+ years with good safety data. However, research continues. Ongoing monitoring ensures any concerns are identified early.
This is a valid question. The answer depends on how much symptoms impair your child's life. Not everyone with ADHD needs medication. Discuss with your clinician.
Medication response doesn't confirm diagnosis, but significant improvement suggests the diagnosis is likely correct. If you have doubts about the diagnosis, address those separately.
Medication decisions should be made by you and your clinician, not school. Schools can report on functioning, but treatment decisions are yours.
- Medication is one tool, not the only tool
- Not every child with ADHD needs medication
- Medication can't do everything - other support is still needed
- The goal is optimal functioning with acceptable side effects
- It's okay to try medication and decide it's not right
- It's okay to not want medication even if it might help
- The decision should be informed, not based on fear or pressure
Decisions should be based on evidence, not fear or stigma. ADHD medication has a strong evidence base and long safety record. It's not perfect, not for everyone, and not the only option - but it's a legitimate medical treatment.
Whatever you decide about medication for your child, that decision should be informed by facts, not myths.