Why Children with ADHD Often Need Both Medication and Therapy for the Best Outcomes

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children. It often presents with challenges such as difficulty sustaining attention, impulsive behaviour, and hyperactivity that interfere with school, social, and family life. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment, research consistently shows that combining medication and therapy leads to the most effective and sustainable outcomes for children with ADHD.

Why Medication Helps

Medication—most commonly stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines—works by targeting the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine systems. These neurotransmitters are essential for attention, self-control, and executive functioning.

• Improved Focus: Medication helps children sustain attention long enough to complete schoolwork or follow instructions.

• Reduced Impulsivity: It can lessen impulsive behaviours such as blurting out answers or interrupting others.

• Better Emotional Regulation: Many children experience a reduction in frustration and irritability when on the right dosage.

In short, medication can create the neurological foundation that makes learning and behavioural change possible.

Why Therapy Is Equally Essential

While medication can reduce core symptoms, it does not teach the skills children need to navigate everyday challenges. This is where therapy—often behavioural therapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)—plays a crucial role.

• Skill-Building: Therapy helps children develop organization skills, problem-solving strategies, and coping techniques.

• Parent Training: Parents learn tools to support positive behaviour, manage challenging moments, and create structured home environments.

• Social Support: Therapy provides children with opportunities to build better peer relationships and improve self-esteem.

Without therapy, a child may be less equipped to translate the benefits of medication into meaningful changes in daily life.

Why the Combination Works Best

Think of medication and therapy as complementary tools:

• Medication levels the playing field by reducing symptoms.

• Therapy builds lifelong strategies for success at home, in school, and in relationships.

Together, they address both the biological and behavioural aspects of ADHD. Studies, including the landmark Multimodal Treatment of ADHD (MTA) study, confirm that children who receive combined treatment experience the greatest improvements in functioning compared to those who receive medication or therapy alone.