Norsk
Norwegian Society for Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry

Avoid initiating medication in children with ADHD before psychoeducation and adequate accommodations at school and home have been attempted for at least three months

14. APRIL 2026

Rationale:

Children and adolescents with mild to moderate symptoms of ADHD (F90 Hyperkinetic disorders) may experience sufficient benefit from psychoeducation and structured environmental accommodations when these are implemented consistently across school and home settings. Non‑pharmacological interventions should always be attempted before starting pharmacological treatment for ADHD. This approach helps avoid unnecessary medication in children and adolescents and reduces the risk of adverse effects.  
  
References:  

  • Helsedirektoratet (2016). ADHD/Hyperkinetisk forstyrrelse – Nasjonal faglig retningslinje for utredning, behandling og oppfølging. Oslo: Helsedirektoratet. Tilgjengelig fra: https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/retningslinjer/adhd/behandling-og-oppfolging-av-adhd-hyperkinetisk-forstyrrelse  
  • Tiltakshåndboka. Tilstandsgruppe: ADHD og andre hyperkinetiske forstyrrelser [Internett]. Tilgjengelig fra: https://tiltakshandboka.no/no/tilstander/tilstandsgruppe-adhd-og-andre-hyperkinetiske-forstyrrelser/oversiktstabell-hva-virker-for-adhd/omtale-av-forskningen-paa-adhd  
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline. 2018 [Oppdatert 13. sept 2019] Tilgjengelig fra: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/resources/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-1837699732933  
  • Storebø OJ et al., Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Mar 27;3. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub3 Tilgjengelig fra:  
    https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub3/full 
  • Vogt H, Lunde C. AD/HD-medisinering – svakt vitenskapelig grunnlag. Tidsskr Nor Legeforen 2018;138. DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.17.0917  Link: https://tidsskriftet.no/2018/01/kronikk/adhd-medisinering-svakt-vitenskapelig-grunnlag