55: 7 ADHD Medication Myths That Could Be Holding Your Child Back
SHOW SUMMARY:
We're back! We are so excited to welcome listeners back for Season 2! Season two opens with Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr. Jennifer Dilts tackling common myths about ADHD medication. They use clinic experience and research to separate fear from fact, while reminding families that these decisions should always be made with a child’s pediatrician or prescriber. The episode is especially helpful for parents who are unsure about starting medication, or who have heard conflicting things from social media, family, or friends.
Key topics
- In this episode, Dr. Bauer and Dr. Dilts explain why misinformation about ADHD medication spreads so easily, and why social media claims should be checked against a trusted medical source.
- They introduce a four-part members-only mini-series, Getting Ready to Launch, focused on helping families prepare kids for college and independence.
- The hosts challenge the myth that ADHD meds do not work by explaining that families often need more than one trial, the right formulation, and enough time to see a real trend.
- They discuss how common side effects can often be monitored, adjusted for, or managed through dose changes, timing changes, food strategies, or switching formulations.
- They address appetite and weight concerns, noting that mild appetite suppression can happen, but growth and weight should be monitored closely at every visit.
- They clarify that ADHD medication does not increase the risk of substance abuse, and may actually reduce later risk by improving symptom control and lowering impulsive, risky behavior.
- They explain that children who cannot swallow pills still have multiple medication options, including liquids, chewables, dissolvable tablets, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled, and patches.
- They review what is known about long-term ADHD medication safety, including the long-standing research base and the importance of weighing medication benefits against the harms of untreated ADHD.
- They push back on the idea that medication prevents skill-building, emphasizing that medication and behavioral support work best together.
- They reassure parents that starting medication is not a lifelong commitment, and that treatment can always be revisited, adjusted, or stopped based on feedback and needs.
Notable quotes
- “Treating ADHD with medication reduces the risk of substance abuse.”
- “Pills don’t teach skills, but we need both.”
- “It’s just one tool in the toolbox.”
SHOW NOTES:
- Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at HelloADHDMomDocs@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you!
- Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, ask the doctor episodes, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/Podcasts Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime
- Resource of the week: What we know about the long term effects of ADHD medications from our friends at Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/know-long-term-effects-adhd-medications/
- TEACH Me ADHD WAIT LIST for Fall 2026: Sign up if you want to get priority registration when we open agency doors on August 20, 2026 for those on our wait list! Class registration windows WILL CLOSE EARLY once max enrollment is reached.
Sessions are 75 minutes in length and you get access to a video supplement which contains pre-recorded material so if you have to miss a class here or there you can keep up!
If you are interested in signing up, head to this link to put yourself on the wait list: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/teach-me-adhd-wait-list
We can't wait to meet you and your family!
