MHM Magazine

12 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 1 | 2022 MHM most famous and often cited study is the “MTA” or “Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD” conducted in 1999 (http:// jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/205525). This 14-month randomised clinical trial of treatments in almost 600 school-aged children found medication to be superior to behaviour therapy or community care. Combined medication and behaviour therapy was found most effective. This was attributed to its effects on non-ADHD symptoms (e.g., oppositional / aggression, internalising, teacher rated social skills, parent-child relations, and reading achievement). The most common side-effects children experience are decreased appetite (and sometimes weight loss), dry mouth, headaches, stomach ache, and problems sleeping. However, most of these side-effects are mild and transient. The goal of treatment is not to subdue children or to change their personality. Medication doesn’t calm the brain down; effective medication stimulates and improves the brain’s management system. It’s important medication should be carefully monitored and adjusted for every individual – to enhance the child’s functioning by sharpening their focus and increasing their ability to control their behaviour. Medication doesn’t cure ADHD, are highly effective at easing symptoms and enabling better coping strategies. Also remember that treatment should always include therapy (e.g. parental guidance, addressing issues with self-esteem), educational support (e.g. learning support and strategies, and coping skills), addressing potential stressors (e.g. parental conflict, and bullying), and lifestyle changes (e.g. physical exercise and a healthy diet). Untreated or inadequately treated ADHD can cause significant personal, interpersonal and social burdens, impacting negatively on overall quality of life. A child (and adult) with (untreated) ADHD is six times more likely to have another psychiatric disorder (such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse) or learning disorders and self-esteem problems. Research has also shown that those diagnosed with ADHD completed on average two years less of formal schooling and attained a lesser employment status than those without. The risks of using appropriate medications to treat ADHD are minimal, whereas the risks of not using medication to treat ADHD are significant. MYTH 8: ADHD MEDICATION IS ADDICTIVE AND CREATES ADDICTS The facts: It’s actually the opposite: treating children with ADHD protects them against becoming addicts. In a ten year follow up study of a sample of 140 boys originally aged between 6-17 years, 73% had received some level of treatment with stimulants at some stage during childhood (some also continued this into adulthood). The researchers found no association between treatment with ADHD medication and alcohol, drug, or nicotine use disorders in later life. Other studies clearly showed that untreated ADHD increased the risk to develop substance abuse problems during teenage years or later life. This may be due to impulsivity, self-medication, or failure in the educational system and getting involved in destructive friendships and behavioural patterns. We fear things we don’t understand or know. Be careful of what you read – especially in the popular media and online (read: Google) – and believe. These sources can strengthen misperceptions and stigmatising beliefs about patients suffering from ADHD. Always discuss your concerns with a trained healthcare professional. The media is also our potential biggest allies (with a big responsibility) to create public awareness and education – and we’re very grateful for platforms such as Mental Health Matters and SADAG. Knowledge is power – it can dispel myths, help you to have an informed opinion and to take informed decisions about ADHD. For more information, and tips, visit the Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation’s website http://www. gb4adhd.co.za/ , or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ gb4adhd/ . References available upon request Professor Schoeman and Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation have written South Africa's first ADHD book for children! To order a copy please see below: