ADHD Medication 101

Will ADHD medication help my child, or dull their spark? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Professor Samuele Cortese for a comprehensive exploration of ADHD medications and how they work, so that parents listening can make informed decisions for themselves and their children. Professor Samuele Cortese, MD, PhD is currently Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Solent NHS Trust. Professor Cortese’s main research interests are in neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on ADHD. Professor Samuele Cortese begins by explaining the different types and mechanisms of ADHD medications, which are broadly divided into stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate) and non-stimulants (e.g. atomoxetine). Whilst both types of medication affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, they operate differently. Many parents worry about dulling their child’s spark if they go down the medication route, so Professor Samuele also shares some insight into which medications are more effective and why. In his research, he shares that 70-80% of children respond well to stimulants, while non-stimulants may help the remaining 20-30%. He also describes how medication can actually be personalised to the child, not only by type but also by release formation e.g. slow release throughout the day. Interestingly, only 20-22% of children continue treatment after a year, so Professor Samuele also explains what challenges children and parents can face when it comes to adhering to a medication routine. He also explains some potential common side effects and how they can best be managed. Claire and Professor Samuele also touch on the long-term effects of medication - with long-term studies showing benefits such as a reduction in mortality rate and improved quality of life. Overall Claire and Professor Samuele stress what a deeply personal choice medication is, and through this episode aim to support parents and their children to make the right decision for them. This epsiode is a must-listen for parents weighing up the pros and cons of medication for their child with ADHD.