New research shows that ADHD medications do not help children learn.

 

Imagine a prescription drug

According to new research, stimulants have no identifiable effect on how much children with ADHD learn in the classroom.

For decades, most doctors, parents, and educators have believed that stimulants help children with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to learn. However, in the first study of its kind, scientists at the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University (FIU) found that drugs have no identifiable effect on how much children with ADHD learn in a school classroom. ۔

About 10% of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. Of these, more than 90% of stimulant medications are prescribed as the primary form of treatment in school settings because most doctors believe that medications will result in better academic achievement.

William E. Pelham Jr., senior author of the study and director of the center, said: Spend more time. " For children and families. "Unfortunately, we found that the medication had no effect on learning the actual curriculum."

Researchers surveyed 173 children aged 7 to 12 with ADHD in the Centre's Summer Treatment Program, an eight-week comprehensive summer camp program for children with ADHD and related behavioral, emotional, and learning challenges. ۔

The children completed two consecutive 25-minute instructional sessions in words and subject area content in science and social studies. The instructions provided to each student during the three-week phase were at their assigned grade level. Certified teachers and assistants taught the material to groups of 10-14 children in a classroom setting.

Each child was randomized to be given a permanent release stimulant during the first or second phase of the teaching phase, with a placebo being received during the second phase.

Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that children learned the same amount of science, social sciences and vocabulary whether they were taking medication or placebo.

Although medication did not improve learning, the study found that medication helped children complete more setwork and improve classroom behavior, as expected. While taking the medication, children completed 37% more math problems per minute and 53% less classroom rules per hour.

Furthermore, in line with previous studies, the researchers found that medications helped slightly improve test scores when taken on test day, but not enough to raise the grades of most children. Medications, for example, helped children gain an average of 1.7 percentage points out of 100 in science and social science tests.

Improving academic achievement is important for children with ADHD because, compared to their peers, children with ADHD tend to have more work behavior in the classroom, get lower grades, and get lower test scores. Are They are also more likely to receive special education services, retain grades and drop out before graduation. Poor academic achievement is one of the most debilitating disorders associated with ADHD, often leading to long-term professional and financial difficulties that characterize ADHD in adolescence.

Previous research by Pelham, a pioneer and researcher on ADHD, has found that behavioral therapy - when used first - is less expensive and more effective in treating children with ADHD than medication. Stimulants are most effective as an additional, second-line treatment option for those who need it and generally at lower doses than recommended. In addition, the Society for Development and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) has published new medical guidelines that strongly recommend behavioral intervention as a first-line treatment for adolescents with ADHD.

"Our research has repeatedly found that behavioral interventions are best for children with ADHD because they, their teachers, and their parents learn skills and strategies that will help them succeed in school, at home and in long-term relationships. Will provide assistance. " پیلہم۔ "Giving our children medicine does not solve the problem - it only temporarily relieves the symptoms. Instead, families should first focus on behavioral interventions and add medicines only when needed."

]]>

Behavioral and educational interventions that significantly improve long-term functional impairment for adolescents with ADHD include parental training and classroom-based management tools such as daily report cards, and school services specific to academic achievement. That 504 plans [housing are provided under section 504. Rehabilitation Act 1973] and Special Education Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

The researchers note that the study was conducted in a controlled summer school-like environment and that results may vary in a regular classroom setting. They would like to replicate this study over a one-year school year using the curriculum in a natural classroom environment to further assess the effects of medication on learning.

Reference: "The effect of stimulant drugs on curriculum learning in children with ADHD: a randomized crossover study" Pelham, W.E. III, Altszuler, A.R., Merrill, B. M., Raiker, J. S., Macphee, F. L., Ramos, M., Gnagy, E. M., Greiner, A.R., Coles, E.K., Connor, C. M., Lonigan, C. J., Burger, L., Morrow, A. S., Zhao, X., Swanson, J. M., Waxmonsky, J. G., & Pelham, W. E, J.r. May 23, 2022, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. DOI: 10.1037 / ccp0000725

The study was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and was funded by the National Institute on Mental Health.