Video Credit: Gulf News

Dr. Haneen Jarrar explains to podcast host Maria Botros why, as a psychologist, she is very conservative when it comes to prescribing medication to people with ADHD or ADD.

  • I do not prefer giving medication to children before the age of 7 because the brain is still developing, says Dr. Haneen
  • Dr. Haneen: In some cases, medication can be helpful, which is why I’ll bring in a psychiatrist after we’ve tried therapy, and I’ve looked at the child’s adaptive functioning in all settings
  • I look at medication as an added value to my therapy plan, not as a replacement, says Dr. Haneen
  • Dr. Haneen: We know from scientific research that therapy changes the composition of the brain
  • Let’s say I have 50 ADHD cases, only 2 will require psychiatric medication, says Dr. Haneen