For parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the first instinct may be to look for quick relief in the form of medication. Yet new research from Finland offers a cautionary perspective.

Tracking nearly 41 000 children, the study found that once medication is started, it often continues far longer than families might expect. Most children stayed on treatment for more than three years, and for those who began between the ages of six and eight, many remained on medication throughout almost their entire school careers.

What is striking is that while prescriptions may last for seven, eight, or even nine years, most clinical trials only measure safety and effectiveness for one year. That means the evidence base for long-term use is thin, leaving parents in uncertain territory.

The researchers argue strongly that medication should not be the first line of response. Instead, families are urged to try behavioural approaches, classroom adjustments, and supportive routines at home before considering tablets.

If a doctor does recommend medication, parents should not see it as a set-and-forget solution. Annual reviews are essential, as children’s needs can change, and side effects may appear over time. Keeping notes on mood, sleep, and schoolwork, and staying in regular contact with teachers, helps ensure that any decision about continuing medication is well-informed.

The key message is clear. Medication can play a role, but it should come only after other strategies have been given a fair chance. Parents who invest in patience, structure, and support first may discover that their children can succeed without relying immediately on a prescription.

Through the lens of family care, choosing patience and structure before medication empowers parents to support children’s growth with confidence and caution.