Preschoolers with ADHD often medicated against guidelines

Abstract

A new Stanford Medicine–led study has found that many preschool-aged children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being prescribed stimulant medication within just one month of diagnosis — contrary to treatment guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, raise concerns about the clinical decision-making process and highlight systemic gaps in access to behavioral interventions.