[throwaway_51122]

FWIW, at least in some parts of Europe methylphenidate is the 1st medicine considered, not amphetamine derivatives. (Also suggesting that a medically prescribed and oft beneficial medicine is akin to "giving a kid street drugs" is an un-nuanced way of looking at (stimulant) medications. Not to mention all the "amphetamines are just like meth" folks who probably haven't studied biochemistry.)

[wintermutestwin]

FWIW, I was using "speed" as shorthand to summarize stimulants. In the US, methylphenidate is known as Ritalin and, while it is not "meth," it is an addictive stimulant with nasty side effects and withdrawal symptoms*

My point is that if there is a chance that a reasonably healthy habit like running could possibly alleviate ADHD symptoms, wouldn't it be clearly better to try that before giving kids drugs of any sort?

*Common adverse reactions of methylphenidate include: tachycardia, palpitations, headache, insomnia, anxiety, hyperhidrosis, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, and abdominal pain.[5] Withdrawal symptoms may include: chills, depression, drowsiness, dysphoria, exhaustion, headaches, irritability, lethargy, nightmares, restlessness, suicidal thoughts, and weakness.[1]

[throwaway_51122]

You’ve got a pretty valid point about “why not exercise instead of meds” - the answer to which I do not know, though my guess is meds are more “reliable” of a solution. The side effects, yes, they’re not great but (with the caveat of having a proper doctor) should be very little/manageable. Disclaimer, I am on (prescribed) methylphenidate for my ADHD, and the side effects can be annoying but I’m generally better off with the medical + side effects than otherwise. Exercise does help pretty well for me too, though unfortunately now in 2 degree C weather it’s not convenient.