Why Is My ADHD Child on So Many Medications? How to Prevent the Drug Cascade with Dr. Kate Trapani

Send us Fan Mail Your ADHD child is on multiple meds and you're not sure why. Two psychiatrists explain how to prevent the drug cascade and advocate at every appointment. _________________________________________________ You took your child to the doctor for ADHD. One medication turned into two, then three—and now you're staring at a pill organizer wondering how did we get here? You're not a bad parent for feeling uneasy about that. A recent Wall Street Journal article confirmed what many families quietly fear: kids who start ADHD medication young often end up on multiple psychiatric drugs within a few years. But here's the reframe—this isn't a reason to avoid medication. It's a reason to become a better advocate. In this episode, Apryl sits down with two psychiatrists—Dr. Brian Bradford and guest Dr. Kate Trapani, a child psychiatry resident—to break down exactly why the drug cascade happens and what you can do to prevent it. You'll learn: Why ADHD medication often becomes the "gateway" to additional prescriptions—and when that's actually appropriate vs. a red flag The one question to ask before any new medication is started How to respectfully request a second opinion (and why good doctors actually welcome it) What psychiatrists do when a child arrives on a long medication list The critical difference between treating symptoms and treating the root cause Specific questions to ask at your child's very first medication appointment Why your pediatrician may be one of your most powerful allies After this episode, you'll walk into your child's next appointment knowing exactly what to say—and feeling confident enough to say it. RESOURCES MENTIONED Wall Street Journal article, " Millions of Kids are on ADHD Pills. For Many, It's the Start of a Drug Cascade. "