Which is more effective in treating children with ADHD : pharmacology or placebo?

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is thought to be amongst the most common neurobehavioural disorders in children. The symptoms of those affected tend to emerge quite early in their childhood and these include: over-activity, inability to maintain attention, academic under-achievement as well as impulsive behaviour (Biederman, 2005). The cardinal objective of this dissertation was to determine which treatment is the better option in ameliorating the symptoms of children with ADHD. Is it medication or placebo tablets? To achieve this, a literature search was conducted and 22 articles met the criteria of the study. When appraising the literature found, it was necessary to utilize an appraisal tool which aided the author to adopt a consistent approach throughout. For the purpose of this literature review, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used. Inclusion criteria of the study were children and adolescents with ages that ranged from 5 to 16 years and males and females who were diagnosed with only ADHD. Moreover, exclusion criteria included infants and patients over 16 years and individuals who had disorders other than ADHD. Findings have demonstrated that medication yields stronger effects than placebo for improving the symptomology of children and youths with ADHD. Nevertheless, some studies have also demonstrated that the administration of placebo tablets can also be of benefit. Findings suggest that the best treatment for children and youths with ADHD is not a sole option but the best combination of treatments that works best for the individual. Although medication is thought to be the most powerful intervention in treating subjects with ADHD, more longitudinal studies should be undertaken to determine its therapeutic effect and tolerability in the long term.