My 40-year-old boyfriend has been working with a psychiatrist to treat his ADHD. He's tried four or five medications, with no results. Are some people with ADHD not responsive to pharmaceutical remedies?
by Larry Silver, M.D.
Your boyfriend is fortunate to have a girlfriend who wants to understand his problems. Most individuals with ADHD do respond positively to one of the ADHD medications. My first question is whether your boyfriend has been correctly diagnosed with ADHD, or if he might have another psychiatric disorder. Discuss your questions with him. If he cannot clarify the reasons for using the different medications, he may be able to discuss your questions with his psychiatrist. Maybe he could invite you to a session, so that the psychiatrist can address your concerns directly.