25 Years of Breakthroughs: Medication Combined with Talk Therapy Best for Treating ADHD

In 1999, results from the Multimodal Treatment for ADHD (MTA) study - the most comprehensive study of treatment strategies for ADHD ever undertaken - were published explaining that for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medication is a more successful treatment option than non-medication treatments such as behavioral therapy and community care. Additionally, it was determined that the use of medication in combination with therapy is also a stronger treatment than therapy alone. The MTA study was led by Scientific Council Member and NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grantee, John March, M.D., M.P.H.

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation featured an article on Dr. March and this study in Breakthroughs:
 

“I’ve had the privilege of being part of a group of people who have essentially built the current interventions evidence base over the last 20 years,” March says. “Before that, we really didn’t have very much evidence.” That seems an incredible statement, but it is true. The work of March and others is of “breakthrough” impact because it has forged solid links between the clinical care of children who are ill and the collection and interpretation of objective data assessing the effectiveness of that care.

Read the entire article from Breakthroughs

Read more information about the MTA study from PBS Frontline