Fresh Air Are Kids With ADHD Being Treated Effectively?
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Apr 24, 2025 
Paul Tough, a journalist and contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, dives deep into the complexities of ADHD treatment. He challenges the traditional view of ADHD as merely a medical disorder, highlighting studies that question the long-term efficacy of medications like Ritalin. Tough discusses the spectrum of ADHD experiences, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches that consider both genetic and environmental factors. This conversation also touches on the intricate relationship between ADHD and emotional dysregulation, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the disorder.
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Rethinking ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
- ADHD diagnosis rates have risen dramatically, sparking questions about the disorder's nature and medication treatment efficacy.
- Some researchers now believe ADHD may not be a distinct brain disorder but a more complex condition requiring varied treatments.
Short-term Benefits of Ritalin Fade
- The initial multimodal treatment study (MTA) found Ritalin more effective short-term in controlling ADHD symptoms.
- However, the long-term advantage of stimulant medication fades, suggesting the need to reconsider treatment approaches.
Rising Diagnoses and Medications' Limits
- ADHD diagnoses increased beyond expected prevalence without clear cause.
- Longitudinal studies showed symptom improvements with medication vanished after three years, questioning ongoing use.
