Introduction
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral condition characterized by excessive restlessness, inattention, distraction, and impulsivity. It is usually first identified when children are school-aged, although it also can be diagnosed in people of all age groups. In an average classroom of 30 children, research suggests that at least one will have ADHD.

High activity levels and short attention spans are a normal part of childhood for many children, but for those with ADHD, hyperactivity and inattentiveness are excessive and interfere with daily functioning. Some children with ADHD only have problems with attention; other children only have issues with hyperactivity and impulsivity; some children have problems with both. Over time, children with ADHD tend to shed some of the overactivity and impulsivity, but they often continue to have significant problems with inattention, distraction, and organization.

ADHD can interfere with a child’s ability to perform in school and capacity to develop and maintain social (peer) relationships. ADHD can increase a child’s risk of dropping out of school or having disciplinary problems. ADHD also is associated with an increased risk of having problems with hazardous driving, cigarette smoking, and substance abuse.

Effective treatments are available to help manage the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness symptoms of ADHD and can improve a person’s ability to function at home, at school, and in other places.

This medication guide is intended to help parents, patients, and family members better understand the treatments used to care for children with ADHD. Before treatment can begin, however, each child must have a careful review of his or her medical history, and a physical examination should be conducted.

ADHD symptoms should be assessed by a health care professional qualified to evaluate children with ADHD. The professional treating your child for ADHD should be trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. They also should have a thorough understanding of normal child development (such as pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, and pediatric neurologists). Treatment may include medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two.

As a parent or guardian of a child or teenager diagnosed with ADHD, you may be aware of the debate surrounding the medication used to treat this condition. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed several research studies involving children and adolescents who were prescribed medication for ADHD and concluded that these medications are effective and that the risks associated with these medications are known and can be managed.

While the FDA found that these medications are generally safe and effective, many children and teenagers who take medication for ADHD experience side effects at one time or another. Some of these side effects can be significant and should be closely monitored.

Recently, the FDA directed the makers of ADHD medication to develop medication guides to better inform patients and their families about the known potential side effects associated with these medicines—common and rare. These guides will be provided along with the ADHD medication when it is dispensed from the pharmacy. Parents and guardians of children being treated with ADHD medication should read the medication guides and talk to their child’s doctor if they have any questions or concerns.

Download Free eBook: ADHD Parents Medication Guide

PDF format, 587KB, 28Pages. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Prepared by:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and American Psychiatric Association

Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Causes, Symptoms & Choosing Treatment 2
What is ADHD? 2
How do I find out if my child has ADHD? 3
What types of treatments are effective? 3
Will medication cure my child? 4
Choices in Medication 5
What types of medication are available? 5
Taking ADHD Medication 6
How is ADHD medication taken? 6
Can over-the-counter or prescription medication interfere with ADHD medication? 6
How do I know the medication is working? 7
Are there times when my child can take a break from medication? 7
How will ADHD medication make my child feel? 7
When is it okay to stop taking ADHD medication? 8
How do I explain ADHD medication to my child? 8
Stimulant Medication & Addiction 9
Is there a risk my child may become addicted to stimulant medication? 9
Side Effects & ADHD Medication 9
What are the most common side effects? 9
What are the rare or serious side effects? 10
Do I need to monitor my child’s appetite, weight, and height? 11
How can I best manage some of the common side effects my child may experience? 12
School & the Child with ADHD 13
How can the school help my child with ADHD? 13
How does ADHD affect my child’s ability to form friendships? 14
Does my child need treatment when not in school? 14
Disorders that Can Accompany ADHD 15
What are some of the more common disorders that can accompany ADHD? 15
Can ADHD medication cause bipolar disorder? 16
Can my child take ADHD medication if there is a coexisting condition? 16
Psychosocial Treatments 17
What psychosocial or behavioral treatments can be useful? 17
Unproven Treatments 17
Do alternative treatments for ADHD, such as special diets or herbal supplements, really work? 17
What Does the Future Hold? 18
For More Information about ADHD 19
National Organizations 19
Fact Sheets about ADHD in English 21
Fact Sheets about ADHD in Spanish 22
Recommended Reading for Children 22
Recommended Reading for Adults 23
Contributors 24
Endnotes 25