The website ADHD UK states that “a research survey of 10,438 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years found that 3.62% of boys and 0.85% of girls had ADHD.” [Journal of Attention Disorders]
A consideration amongst the mountain of information available under the umbrella of ADHD culture is whether to take medication. Our brains can often feel fried by conflicting information that is published on this topic. To ease the decision process, it is beneficial to know the existing facts about current options and understand what sort of an impact they have made.
Doctor and SEND parenting podcaster, Dr Olivia Kessel has invested a vast amount of time researching prescribed treatments that are available to our young ADHD community. Also, as the mum of a teenager with ADHD, she has herself been on a learning curve and has subsequently gone to great lengths to analyse the information available, collating it to produce some very powerful findings.
Dr Kessel begins by explaining, “Medication is one part of a holistic care package required when you are looking at your child with ADHD. You also need to look at good nutrition, sleep and exercise and adjustments at school and at home.”
Before researching treatments, it is imperative to understand that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning that the brain develops differently. These differences include slight variations in brain structure, biochemistry, and delayed development in certain areas. While this often appears as behavioural challenges—like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, or emotional outbursts—these behaviours are actually reflections of how an ADHD brain processes the world. Rather than being a disorder of willpower or discipline, ADHD is about the brain working in a unique way, requiring the right support to thrive. Dr Kessel explains, “Someone with ADHD has a neurodevelopmental condition; there is a hypoactivity in their prefrontal cortex that delays the development of their executive function skills.”
Executive function skills are crucial to process information and act accordingly. They can be summarised as our ability to:
- Be self-aware
- Focus
- Be aware of inhibition
- Emotionally regulate
- Use our working memory
- Plan and problem solve
Defined within the two categories of “stimulant” and “non-stimulant”, ADHD medication can help to balance the above skills, allowing the brain to function more normally. Both options work to increase activity either directly or indirectly, affecting the amount of neurotransmitter available in an area of hypoactivity, but each type operates differently.
Stimulants are the first line of treatment in the UK, and work by increasing the levels of the two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. Non-stimulants work by increasing norepinephrine and indirectly on levels of dopamine.
Dr Kessel discussed how ADHD medications are one of the most effective psychiatric medicines, with a well-studied side effect profile, with mainly manageable side effects. Between the two classes of drugs, 90% of children will have a positive effect. The drugs work by helping the hypoactive areas of an ADHD brain become more active, helping support their executive function skills. Although their mechanism of action is slightly different, the effect on executive functioning skills is similar. It is important to work with a clinical psychologist to find the right option and dosage that works for your child.
“Non-stimulants work on the norepinephrine pathway and work more indirectly on dopamine, increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain which helps to balance attention, focus and impulsivity.”
When a young person is administered a course of medication, it is essential that their progress is monitored; everyone will have their own journey. It is possible that during the first ten days of treatment, behaviour can potentially worsen as the body adjusts to the drug. After this period, improvements can be noted.
Having witnessed the impacts of treatment, Dr Kessel declares: “A lot of negatives are posted online about ADHD treatments, but it remains that statistics show the treatments as highly efficacious. There may be some side effects, but these can be managed and are known to reduce over time.”
With the help of medication, young people are more able to do tasks using their executive function skills that they once found impossible. As they establish new routines, firing neural networks, these routines become habits and no longer need input from the prefrontal cortex. This could mean that medication may not even be required in the future.
Dr Kessel explains, “Their new habits and behaviours become a part of them – as new neuro networks are built, this results in a more long-term impact on brain development. Recent research has also shown that areas in an ADHD brain that have been underdeveloped, develop further on ADHD medication.”
“When my daughter began her treatment, it was like a light-bulb moment; the difference has been huge. There are still ups and downs, but she has now gained independence, being able to get ready in the morning, do her homework and pack her school bag. She is also able to stop in her tracks and recognise her emotions before she becomes dysregulated.”
“I have done a lot of research and spoken to many families. Now I realise that before my daughter was treated, I was asking her to do things that were out of her capabilities – medication has bridged the gap.”
When asked about alternative treatments, Dr Kessel is emphatic that parents should approach any such option with extreme caution. “There is no scientific proof to support the efficacy of non-orthodox treatments; herbal choices are not regulated and can contain harmful ingredients, so may not be safe.”
It’s crucial to work closely with your child’s doctor or a specialist when creating a treatment plan. Seeking advice from experienced and knowledgeable professionals will ensure that you give yourself the optimum opportunity to receive unbiased, valuable advice.
Given that 62% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD are currently medicated and that 95% of those taking medication report positive effects, the data strongly suggests a thumbs up for its use.
One of many insightful podcasts that Dr Kessel has produced is with Consultant Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, Dr Giovanni Giaroli, who specialises in ADHD, Autism and many other conditions. Together, they provide a fascinating dialogue, giving further detail about many of the questions raised about ADHD treatments.
Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals.
