ADHD Meds Have Placebo Effect--For Caregivers

New study shows that parents and teachers may have a change in attitude toward a child who is perceived to be taking ADHD meds.

New research at the University of Buffalo suggests that popular medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Ritalin and Adderall, produce a placebo effect in the people who surround the ADHD child.

“We speculate that the perception that a child is receiving ADHD medication may bring about a shift in attitude in a teacher or caregiver. They may have a more positive view of the child, which could create a better relationship” said UB researcher Daniel A. Waschbusch, Ph.D., lead author of the review.

A better relationship can be beneficial to the child, however, there are also cons to the placebo effect, which include increasing the amount of ineffective medicine.

To get a more in-depth analysis of the effects of real medication, researchers next plan to observe parents' and children’s reactions under three conditions: after the children receive a real pill, receive a placebo, and receive no pill, said Waschbusch.

Read more about the study.