A collaborative study between the University of Turku, the University of Helsinki, and Finland's Social Insurance Institution Kela highlights that children and adolescents in Finland typically remain on ADHD medication for over three years. However, comprehensive safety data exists only for up to one year of treatment. This disparity raises concerns about the long-term effects of these medications on developing children, particularly given the significant increase in ADHD prescriptions in recent years.

Recent findings indicate a concerning gap in understanding the extended use of ADHD medications among young populations. The research, led by Päivi Ruokoniemi, reveals that while ADHD treatments have grown more common, their impact over extended periods remains underexplored. Boys tend to receive medication more frequently and for longer durations than girls, with those starting treatment between ages 6-8 experiencing it for an average of 6.3 years. This demographic constitutes the largest group initiating ADHD medication, accounting for 32.4% of study participants.

Ruokoniemi underscores the need for reliable safety data during such prolonged exposure, especially during critical developmental stages. She emphasizes the paucity of controlled studies beyond one-year follow-ups, which are required for regulatory approval by the European Medicines Agency. Observational studies, though prevalent, cannot definitively establish cause-and-effect relationships due to inherent biases.

The study also suggests that ADHD medication should be considered only after non-pharmacological interventions prove insufficient. Both caregivers and children must be adequately informed about potential benefits and risks, as well as existing uncertainties. Annual reviews by medical professionals are recommended to reassess the necessity of ongoing treatment.

Data from nearly 41,000 Finnish children and adolescents were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, revealing that in 2019, approximately 5-6% of boys and 1.3-1.5% of girls were on ADHD medication. Since then, usage rates have surged both globally and within Finland, doubling since the study period.

As ADHD medication becomes increasingly prevalent, the call for thorough, long-term research grows louder. Ensuring safe treatment practices requires addressing these knowledge gaps through rigorous scientific inquiry, safeguarding the health and development of countless young individuals worldwide.