How long does medication treatment for ADHD last?
Disease description:
My son was diagnosed with ADHD a long time ago. He has been taking medication for a while, but the effect hasn't been good. I would like to ask, how long is the typical duration for taking medication to treat ADHD?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and may persist into adulthood. The duration of medication for children with ADHD varies due to individual differences, and there is no fixed standard. The specific length of treatment should be determined according to each individual's condition.
1. Mild ADHD: For children with mild symptoms and no obvious clinical manifestations, the treatment duration may be relatively short, with significant symptom relief typically observed within about one week.
2. Moderate ADHD: If children exhibit symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and inattention in class, the treatment duration may need to be extended to approximately two weeks, or even up to a month.
3. Severe and very severe ADHD: For children with severe symptoms, such as significant inattention, irritability, and learning difficulties, a longer treatment duration may be required, potentially lasting one month or longer. If symptoms persist without improvement, continued medication treatment may be necessary.
However, all medications should be taken under a doctor's supervision, and medication should not be discontinued or dosage adjusted without medical advice.
