Overview

• Published Aug. 29, 2025 in JAMA Network Open, the analysis used PEDSnet electronic health records from 2016 to 2023 across eight U.S. pediatric networks to review 9,708 children aged 3 to 5 with an ADHD diagnosis.
• Researchers found 42.2% of these preschoolers were prescribed medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% started medication more than six months after diagnosis.
• The records did not reliably capture referrals to or receipt of behavioral therapy, limiting confirmation of whether families tried nonpharmacologic care before medication.
• Lead author Yair Bannett reported clinicians cite scarce local behavioral resources and insurance coverage gaps as reasons prescriptions are started sooner.
• Experts noted young children can experience more pronounced side effects from stimulants, and the team urged clinician education and greater use of low-cost behavioral resources for families.