Question
Does medication treatment for children with ADHD affect their normal growth and development?
Answer
Children with inattention, such as being unable to concentrate during class, and hyperactivity, have a good appetite. The symptoms have lasted for 2 years, with an unknown cause. No medication treatment has been received. Parents are concerned about whether their children can concentrate during class, even if they need to take medication, without it interfering with their normal growth and development. Many parents today are overly anxious about their children’s changes and readily conclude that inattention or hyperactivity is ADHD without hesitation. During childhood, children naturally enjoy playing and being lively and active, which is not always a sign of ADHD. A child’s diagnosis should be made by a professional doctor, who can make a judgment at a pediatric or psychological department. Medication treatment for psychiatric diseases has significant side effects and may affect a child’s growth and development. If the symptoms are not very severe, it is not recommended to use medication for treatment. Sensory integration training can be considered, which is provided by specialized training institutions. Even if a child does not have ADHD, such training is beneficial for them.