the Basics
Medication for Children and Adults
Treatments for Children and Adolescents
Strattera (atomoxetine) A critical look at a new medication
Beyond Ritalin: A Humorous Look at Medications for AD/HD
New Medications for Adults with AD/HD
ADHD Home Site
AD/HD and Medication: The Basics
There has been controversy about the use
of medications to treat both children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder There
have been articles debating whether Ritalin is over or under prescribed. When people ask
me about this, I tell them that I can only answer for the children and adults that I have
evaluated or treated. Yes, there probably are some individuals who have received
medication when some other treatment might have been better. On the other hand, there are
probably others who were not been diagnosed for years and could have benefited from
medication. Finally, even if someone has attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and is on
medication, is it the best medication, dosage and timing?
Medication can be quite helpful if prescribed in the right context.
First the individual needs a thorough evaluation. If medication is prescribed, it should
be followed closely. Small changes in timing and size of doses can make a difference.
Although Ritalin is the best known medication for ADHD, there are a
number of other useful medications. For individuals who have an incomplete response to one
medication, the doctor can often work with the patient to find another medication or
combination that does control symptoms. Some of the secondary medications may require
closer monitoring during the initial phase of treatment.
Sometimes medication failure is due to lack of communication between
patient and doctor. (and sometimes school) The doctor, patient and family should be clear
about exactly which symptoms they expect the medication to treat. Patients should ask
questions. They should inform the doctor if there are side effects or if the medication
does not seem to be working.
If medication is still not working as expected, it may be time to
re-evaluate the diagnosis. Individuals with ADHD may also have other disorders at the same
time. Anxiety and depression may superficially resemble ADHD. Occasionally a medical
illness may masquerade as a psychiatric condition.
Medication can only take the individual part of the way to recovery.
Therapy, community support, coaching and the individuals own determination are important
parts of treatment.
Read Our Collection of
Original Articles on Adult and Pediatric AD/HD
Atomoxetine (Strattera: A New Treatment for AD/HD
Treatment of Girls and Women with Attention Deficit
Disorder
Is It AD/HD or Bipolar Disorder?
AD/HD
and Addiction
AD/HD and Co-Morbidity: The Tip of the Iceberg
and Bedwetting
Your Mail and Bills
High Cost of AD/HD
Dealing
with Stimulant Side Effects
Women
with Attention Deficit Disorder: How ADD can affect your home.
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder:
Diagnosis, Accommodation and Mastery
Gifted Student with ADD: Between Two Worlds
Adult
ADHD: It Rarely Travels Alone
On
Beyond Ritalin: A Humorous Look at Medications for AD/HD
Stimulant
Medications for Children and Adults
Non-Stimulant
Medication for Children and Adolescents
New Medications for Adults with AD/HD
Gardening
Tips for People with AD/HD
the Basics
When a Grandchild Has ADHD
Helping Your
Child Succeed in School
Coping Styles in ADD
Adults
Women and Attention Deficit Disorder
Practical
Hints for Raising and Educating an ADHD Child
Taking
Your ADD To College
the Adult with ADHD
Neurobiological
Diagnosis and Personal Responsibility: How Does Morality Fit in with ADD?
Gifted
Women
Attention Deficit
Disorder in Adults (Adult ADD)
Attention
Deficit Disorder in Children and Adolescents
How Computers Can Help Individuals
with ADD
Book Reviews: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
slides from our presentation on AD/HD in Adults