Episode 58 - ADHD Medication and the Child's Brain: What's Really Going On? with Professor Peter Hill

What should parents really know about ADHD medication, beyond the headlines and fears? In this episode, I'm joined by Professor Peter Hill to explore one of the questions parents ask most often and worry about: ADHD medication. Together, we unpack what ADHD medication actually does in the brain, why stimulant medications can be so effective when ADHD is significantly impairing a child's life, and how they help children move from constant distraction into task-focused thinking.  Professor Hill explains complex neuroscience in a clear, grounded way, helping parents understand concepts like the frontal lobes, what default mode network is, and why medication can support attention, self-control and emotional regulation rather than suppressing a child's personality. We also talk openly about the different types of ADHD medication, including stimulant and non-stimulant options, short-acting versus long-acting preparations, and how decisions are usually made in clinical practice. Importantly, we address side effects, safety, appetite and sleep, and some of the most common fears parents carry, including concerns about addiction.