Tolerance to Stimulant Medications in the Treatment of Children With ADHD

 ADHD in the News 2025-12-04


Key Takeaways: Long-term tolerance to stimulant medication in ADHD treatment may undermine its effectiveness, as seen in the MTA study. Acute tolerance was addressed with controlled-release formulations, but these did not prevent long-term tolerance. Current strategies to manage tolerance include dose increases and medication breaks, but alternative approaches are needed. Theoretical models suggest dopamine system adaptations contribute to tolerance, necessitating new strategies to maintain treatment efficacy.