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This is not to say that medication should be given solely for the sake of sports performance. If an afternoon dose of medication is really needed for a sports event, it should be given regularly at that time to help the youngster cope with other afternoon and evening situations that otherwise would cause frustration.

Researchers studying hyperactive children in group settings have often reported beneficial effects of medications. One recent study looked at the effects of methylphenidate on baseball performance by boys with this disorder. Doses of 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight were used in the double-blind placebo-controlled study, which involved 17 boys aged 7.8 to 9.9 years. Measures of attention improved dramatically, though there was no significant difference between the two doses. The players were more often able to tell the score and the number of outs, they were in a ready position more often when out on the field, and they were less likely to swing impulsively at balls well out of the strike zone. The researchers said the actual athletic skills of the children did not improve; what improved was their ability to stay focused on the game, and this enhanced their performance.

Stimulant medications are banned in Olympic and NCAA competition. That may not be a problem for athletes with attention deficit, because by the end of high school most children have compensated for most of their symptoms, and if they are candidates for high-level competition, they have probably learned to concentrate and are able to be coached. On the other hand, there is really no evidence that the medications used to treat attention deficit disorder in and of themselves enhance strength, speed, or stamina. Of course, the ban exists because these medications are controlled substances and can be easily abused. However, no one in good conscience could recommend that an athlete discontinue the phenobarbitol he or she takes for epilepsy, even though it is also a narcotic. Similarly, athletes with exercise-induced asthma commonly use albuterol inhalers, which allow them to breathe normally so they can compete to the best of their ability. Likewise, when wisely used, medications for hyperactivity may allow young athletes to do their best.

One final note: A bonus of athletic activity is that, if parents participate with their child, barriers are let down and more meaningful communication can occur. For example, although attempts at dinner conversation may be futile, dialog may flow freely if parent and child go outside to shoot baskets together.

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