Medications can improve a child’s ADHD symptoms, but these positive results may not continue over the long term, according to follow-up data from a major study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study initially found that children who took medicine as part of their treatment had better symptom relief than those treated only with behavioral therapy or community care. Two years after intense monitoring ended, the initial advantages had declined, and by the eight-year mark, differences between the groups were not significant. While ADHD meds can help in the short term, your child’s doctor should periodically reevaluate his progress to ensure that treatment continues to be effective.