ADHD Drugs Might Be Making Boys Shorter, According To Study
If a teenage boy knew that his ADHD medication might cost him a few inches of height, would he still take it?
That’s the question at the heart of the ongoing controversy surrounding stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. Millions of children—mostly boys—are prescribed these drugs every year. And while the short-term benefits are reportedly dramatic for some (better focus, calmer behavior, improved grades), growing evidence suggests there are hidden costs, including suppressed growth.
In a recent New York Times article, Dr. James Swanson—one of the most prominent ADHD researchers in the country—raised serious concerns. “The only long-term effect that I know of has been the suppression of growth,” he stated. “If you’re honest, you should tell kids that, look, if you’re interested in next week or next month or even the next year, this is the right treatment for you. But in the long run, you’re going to be shorter. How many kids would agree to take medication? Probably none.”
For years, the prevailing narrative has been that any impact on height is temporary. But Swanson, who helped develop some of the earliest diagnostic criteria for ADHD, says the effect is real—and lasting. Some studies estimate that boys on stimulant medications grow about an inch shorter than their peers over the course of adolescence. For many young men, height isn't just a number—it's a symbol of confidence. So, when faced with the decision to start ADHD medication, the possibility of growth suppression is serious.
This concern goes hand in hand with a broader conversation about how ADHD is diagnosed and treated. Restlessness, impulsivity, high energy—traits long associated with normal boyhood—are now more likely to be labeled symptoms of a disorder. Many believe that we’re medicalizing masculinity and overprescribing powerful drugs to solve problems that might have more to do with outdated classroom models than with actual pathology.
The takeaway? Parents should feel empowered to ask questions. Non-stimulant medications and behavioral interventions exist, and in some cases, they may be a better long-term fit.
Non-stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), have shown promise in managing ADHD symptoms without the same impact on growth. Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral approaches, can be highly effective either on their own or alongside medication, helping children develop coping strategies and improve focus over time. Additionally, lifestyle modifications—like consistent physical activity, quality sleep, and a balanced diet—can play a meaningful role in supporting overall well-being and reducing symptom severity.
These alternatives may not offer the instant results stimulants sometimes do, but they come without the physical trade-offs and can foster more sustainable, long-term outcomes.
Medicating a child should never feel like the only option—and certainly not without full transparency about potential lifelong trade-offs. If a pill can improve your son’s report card but shave an inch off his height, it’s worth stepping back and asking: what else is it cutting short?
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