ADHD Drugs Don't Boost Kids' Grades

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The author writes, "Stimulants used to treat ADHD like Ritalin and Adderall are sometimes called "cognitive enhancers" because they have been shown in a number of studies to improve attention, concentration and even certain types of memory in the short-term." They don't fix motivation. The first treatment option offered children with ADHD is supposed to be behavioral therapy, not meds. Sadly, too many parents skip that step. If you're medicating your kid to avoid having to work with them, it stands to reason that the child isn't going to place a high value on hard work. The meds might help concentration, but that won't improve grades if they're concentrating on doodling. Positive reinforcement only works if it's guided. Just releasing dopamine by itself won't do anything but get the kid high.

To say the meds just improve concentration is an over simplification. The general populace has a very poor understanding of what ADHD is (I am not implying you do, i just mean it as a generic statement). ADHD is not a lack of concentration, in fact a tell tale feature of ADHD is hyperfocus. ADHD is a executive function disorder, i.e. folks with ADHD lack the ability to have self control which enables them to achieve their goals. Ironically they usually also lack the ability to switch tasks.

The supposition that a child that gets medicated will value hard work is very likely untrue (if there's good research that points to that I apologize for my ignorace). A very big challenge with ADHD medications is finding the right dose and the exact right amount. This may take anywhere between 3-4 months. If parents expect immediate results they will be disappointed. A lot of patients often quit before they've found their sweet spot because the side effects of the drugs are not exactly pleasant.

The antagonism towards medication for people who need it is unfair and disheartening to say the least, it's almost as bad as saying no to vaccines. The FDA launching its drug war by "cracking down" on ADHD meds is another asinine facet to this, but I digress.