Larry Silver, M.D.

Larry Silver, M.D., is the author of Dr. Larry Silver's Advice to Parents on AD/HD and The Misunderstood Child: Understanding and Coping with Your Child's Learning Disabilities. He is also a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Books by Larry Silver, M.D.

• How to Treat Depression in Children with ADHD
  Depression is especially common among children with ADHD. Fortunately, medical treatments are more safe and... more »
• ADHD Medication at School
  Guidelines to follow if your child needs a dose of ADHD medication during the school... more »
• ADD Drugs: Safe While Pregnant or Nursing?
  Can your ADD medication harm your developing fetus? Can it pass through breast milk? Critical... more »
• 'Mom, I Hurt Myself'
  Kids with ADHD have more accidents — unless parents step in... more »
• A Parent's Guide to Explaining ADHD Treatment with Medication
  What parents can say and do to make children feel good about treating their ADHD... more »
• Beyond the ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding Common Learning Disabilities in ADHD Children
  Roughly half of all children diagnosed with ADHD also suffer from learning disabilities like dyslexia... more »
• Alcohol and ADHD Medication: What Is Safe?
  How will alcohol interact with your medication for adult ADD? Read this expert advice before... more »
• Medicate Our ADHD Child?
  What to do when you say yes and your spouse says no... more »
• When Is It Time to Change ADHD Meds?
  Changing ADHD medication or dosage may be the solution when your child's behavior worsens... more »
• 7 Rules for Using ADHD Medications Safely
  7 ways to maximize the benefits of ADHD medications for you or your child with... more »
• ADHD Medication: Say No to Side Effects
  Find the right ADHD medication for you or your child with attention deficit -- one... more »
• Trying a New ADD Medication
  If you're considering a switch from your child's ADHD drug due to side effects, here's... more »
• Diagnosing Related Conditions in ADHD Children and Adults
  How to help ADHD children and adults with common coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety and... more »
• How to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem: ADHD Parenting Advice
  Many kids with ADHD and learning disabilities also struggle with poor self-esteem. Here's how parents... more »
• Helping Preteens With ADD Succeed: Parenting Strategies for Defusing Tween Power Struggles
  Whether your attention deficit tween is acting up in school, starting to run with the... Parenting ADHD preteens»
• What Is ADHD? Attention Deficit Diagnosis and Treatment Information
  An expert on attention deficit and learning disabilities talks about the biology behind ADHD and... more »
• Getting an ADHD Diagnosis: 3 Common Mistakes
  Doctors sometimes diagnose ADHD too quickly or without considering all the symptoms. Here's what you... more »
• Is It Really ADHD? Ensuring an Accurate ADHD Diagnosis
  Ask yourself these four questions before considering a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD)... more »
• How to Keep ADHD Children Injury-Free
  Hyperactive and impulsive children can be accident-prone...what you need to know... more »
• Can Children Outgrow ADHD?
  Parents of children with attention deficit disorder often wonder if their kids will stay on... more »
• Setting Up a School-Day Dose of ADHD Medication
  A doctor's advice for managing meds during the school day... more »
• Psychiatric Medications for Children with ADHD
  Here are some of the psychiatric drugs that doctors prescribe most frequently for children with... more »
• ADHD Drug Treatments: Managing Multiple Medications
  Treating ADHD and a comorbid condition like depression or bipolar disorder may require more than... more »
• ADHD or Learning Disabilities (LD)?
  Your child was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, and is taking ADHD medication, but he's... ADHD or LD? »
• Is Your ADHD Child Addicted to Video Games?
  How to break the cycle of video game "addiction" in children with ADHD... more »
• Daytrana Patch 101: ADHD Medication Q&A
  Many children with ADHD use the Daytrana patch to treat their symptoms during the day... more »
• Is It Anxiety or ADHD?
  What you need to know when sorting out symptoms and digging for the right diagnosis... more »
• Is It a Learning Disability or Inattentive ADD/ADHD?
  Problems with organization, focus, and time management often point to Inattentive Type ADHD. But sometimes... more »
• Is It OCD or ADD/ADHD?
  It's not always easy to tell whether it's attention deficit disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder that's... more »
• Fix Your ADHD Child's Medication Problems
  Use our guide to solve your attention deficit child's medication snafus -- like when ADHD... more »
• Is It Executive Function Disorder (EFD) or ADD/ADHD?
  Children and adults with executive function disorder (EFD) have problems with organizing and schedules. They... more »
• "That's Just Fine in Our Clan": Building Strong, Supportive ADHD Families
  What's the key to raising a happy, well-adjusted ADHD family? According to expert Larry Silver,... One big happy, hyper family »
• The Meaning of ADD/ADHD
  The more children know what ADD/ADHD means, the better. Here's how and why you should... ADD/ADHD meaning»
• College Prep: How a Parent Should Help
  College-bound ADHD teens need a crash course in managing meds, staying organized, and keeping it... Strategies for college success »
• "No Medication for My Child!"
  Family members and teachers might disagree about your child's need for meds. Here's how... When your spouse says no »
• Raising Socially ADD-ept Kids
  Friendship groups can work wonders for kids with ADHD, but pragmatic social skills problems require... Sharpen his nonverbal skills »
• Taming Tics in Kids with ADHD
  If your child's stimulant meds give him a bad case of twitching or blinking, he... Controlling your child's tics »
• Period of Adjustment
  When a child's behavior suddenly strays off course, look for the real reasons... more »
• Addicted to Computer Games!
  Game-playing can boost coordination and computer literacy. Here's how to keep a good thing from... more »
• Meds: Use Them Wisely in College
  Have a game plan for tackling meds while in college... more »
• Keys to a Successful Summer for ADHD Kids
  How parents can plan for a fun, safe, and productive summer vacation for their ADHD... more »
• "Did I Just Tweet That?"
  Twitter, Facebook, e-mail — so many ways for ADHDers to get into trouble online! Save... The Internet is forever »
• Meds: Expect Resistance
  Don't be surprised if your middle-schooler is resistant to taking his meds. Here's your approach... more »
• Meds: Tips for High-Schoolers
  Medications are your responsibility now. Here are things to keep in mind... more »
• Sample Dialogue for Talking About ADHD
  If your child has questions, keep your answers simple, brief, and upbeat. Here's how... more »
• The Drug Approval Process
  How does the FDA permit the sale of a particular drug? The answer may alarm... more »
• Keeping Kids Safe
  Expert tips to help parents avoid some common risks to their ADHD children... more »
• Can Your Child Safely Take a Break from ADHD Drugs?
  Important considerations when pondering a "drug holiday" for your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD... more »
• Teens and Alcohol
  A guide for parents whose teenagers with attention deficit disorder may be drinking during the... Should Parents Be Concerned?
• ADHD Treatment for New Mothers: What's Safe, What's Not
  Make an informed decision about taking or discontinuing ADHD drugs while pregnant or nursing... more »
• Cause of ADHD: Toxic Risk Factors
  With diagnoses of attention deficit, autism, and learning disabilities on the rise, experts wonder whether... What causes ADHD? »
• ADHD Medications List and Guide
  Confused about which ADD/ADHD medication is right for you? Read on as our expert explains... ADHD medications list»
• Are You Sure It's Attention Deficit?
  Your child's symptoms may seem to add up to ADHD. But hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity... How will you know? »
• Does Your Child Have a Learning Disability? Take This Self-Test
  Find out if a learning disability might be causing your child's problems in school--and what... more »

• How Recess Promotes Focus for ADHD Children
  For children with ADHD, the endangered school recess is an essential activity that improves focus... Healthy Play
• The ADHD Pause Button
  A grandfather discovers that, sometimes, ADHD children just need a break... more »

• Finding Reliable Help
  "Who can best diagnose ADD?"... more »
• The Best Treatment for Teens with Addictions
  "Will Wellbutrin work for adolescents with drug addiction?" ... more »
• ADHD in Adults
  "My wife suspects I have ADD. How do I find a location where I can... more »
• Explaining ADHD to Kids
  "My 10-year-old son has ADHD. Is it okay to talk to him about it?" ... more »
• A Qualified Diagnosis
  "My son's teacher thinks he might have ADHD. Who can diagnose him and treat this... more »
• Building a Tolerance
  "My eight-year-old did well on Strattera for six months, but then his symptoms returned. Is... more »
• Conception Concerns
  "Should my husband stop taking his stimulant while we're trying to get pregnant?"... more »
• ADHD and OCD
  "Our teenage son, who has ADHD and OCD, is hiding food in his room. What... more »
• Stimulants and Heart Trouble
  "Our family has a history of heart trouble. Does the new stimulant warning mean it's... more »
• Too Young for Treatment?
  "What’s the youngest age at which a child can be diagnosed with and treated for... more »
• How to Ensure a Correct Diagnosis
  "My son was diagnosed with multiple disorders, after an interview and psychiatric observations. Was he... more »
• Can You Have Only Some ADHD Symptoms?
  "Can you have SOME of the symptoms of ADHD and still be diagnosed with attention... more »
• Does ADHD Cause Sleep Problems?
  "Is ADHD causing my sleep problems?" ... more »
• Insurance Doesn't Cover My Daughter's ADHD Medication
  The doctor prescribed Vyvanse for my ADD daughter. Our insurance covers only Adderall or Focalin... more »
• The Six Types of ADHD?
  "What do you know about Dr. Daniel Amen's brain imaging research?"... more »
• What Causes ADHD? Expert Information About ADD Genetics
  "I was just diagnosed with ADHD, and I'm interested in learning more about it. Is... more »
• What's the Right Dosage?
  "I’ve been taking a stimulant for two days, but I don’t feel more focused. How... more »
• When to Switch Doctors
  "My new primary-care physician told me she doesn’t 'do' adult ADD, and wants me to... more »
• Appetite Blunted By Meds
  "Because my long-acting stimulant tends to blunt my appetite, I typically take it only on... more »
• Getting Insurance to Cover a Stimulant and Strattera
  "My son is doing well on his stimulant-Strattera combo, but my insurance company is unwilling... more »
• Are ADHD Meds Stunting My Son's Growth?
  "Our son has taken ADHD medication for a few years. He’s small for his age,... Growth charts »
• Helping Teens with Conduct Disorders
  "My 17-year-old ADDer is oppositional. He has skipped school and run away from home." ... more »
• Strattera: ADHD Medication FAQ
  Non-stimulant attention deficit medication Strattera can treat distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in children, teens, and... ADHD non-stimulant medication Strattera»
• When ADHD Gets Worse with Time
  "Is it possible for ADD to become more prominent later in life than in the... more »
• Taking Tests in School
  "I struggle with test-taking. Is this common?" ... more »
• How Much Ritalin Is Enough?
  "I'm 39 and started taking Ritalin 2 weeks ago. How do I find the right... more »
• Tourette's and AD/HD
  "Could my five-year-old son's facial tics and hyperactivity be Tourette's?" ... more »
• Storing and Using the Daytrana Patch
  "I've had trouble peeling off the protective covering on the Daytrana patch. Any suggestions?" ... more »
• Taking a Child Off Ritalin
  "Our doctor wants to take my daughter off Ritalin, even though it helps her. I... more »
• Adderall and Speech Apraxia
  "Can my son be treated for both ADHD and speech problems?"... more »
• Kindergarten Teacher Asks About ADD Meds
  "In my classroom, I have two children with ADHD. I need information about medications and... more »
• Stuttering as a Side Effect of Ritalin
  "Is Ritalin causing my grandson's stuttering? It started a year after he began medication." ... more »
• Success in High School/Problems in College
  "My 21-year-old son graduated at the top of his high school class, but now can't... more »
• Self Diagnosis
  "I took a stimulant and fell asleep immediately. Does this confirm my ADHD?"... more »
• Family Disagrees with Diagnosis
  "How do I convince my family that ADD is real?" ... more »
• Narcolepsy and ADD
  "What's the link between narcolepsy and inattentive ADD?"... more »
• Too Much Medication?
  "How do you know if you are overmedicated?"... more »
• ADHD, Change in Medication & Learning Disabilities
  "My nine-year-old son had to discontinue treatment, due to abnormal EKGs, and is now failing... more »
• Is The Medication Working?
  "How do I know when we've found the right medication and dosage?"... more »
• Alternative Treatments for ADHD
  "Why don't doctors offer alternatives to treat ADHD before prescribing strong stimulants? Since starting his... more »
• ADHD and Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  "A counselor has suggested having my son tested for Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Could this be... more »
• Side Effects of Adderall
  "My son has had side effects since he started medication, but his doctor says they're... more »
• Adderall and The Menstrual Cycle
  "My 13-year-old daughter takes Adderall, and it seems to affect her menstrual cycle."... more »
• Exercise for ADHD
  "Will exercise improve symptoms?" ... more »
• Can Childhood Trauma Cause ADD?
  "Are signs of ADHD caused by factors other than neurological problems?"... more »
• Treating Asthma and ADHD
  "How do I treat my son's ADHD when he takes steroids for his lung problems?"... more »
• Concerns About the Diagnostic Process
  "I realize that ADHD is often over-diagnosed as well as under-diagnosed. As a social worker,... more »
• ADD and ODD
  "My nine-year-old ADDer misbehaves at home and at school. Is he oppositional?"... more »
• When Teens Refuse ADD Meds
  "Why has my son stopped taking his medication?"... more »
• 3 Keys to Mindful Medication
  "I have been on Adderall for several months, and I don't think it's working. Should... more »
• ADHD Medication: The Right Dose?
  "My son's ADHD medication is causing him to be irritable...... more »
• ADHD and Genetics
  "Is there anything my son and his wife can do to minimize the chances of... more »
• Too Much Medication? Or the Wrong Kind?
  "My medication no longer works. I've had to escalate the dose, but feel like a... more »
• Signs of Adderall Addiction
  "Am I addicted to my medication?" ... more »
• Addicted to Ritalin?
  "My dose of Ritalin isn't effective anymore. Why?" ... more »
• Developing a Tolerance for Adderall?
  "My current dose of Adderall is less effective than it had been when I started... more »
• Mixing Medication with Alcohol
  "Should I refrain from taking my ADD medication on days I plan to drink alcohol?"... more »
• Desoxyn
  "Can Desoxyn be used to treat ADD?"... more »
• Reading Disorders and ADHD
  "My eight-year-old has trouble reading. I recently read about a sight problem called convergence that... more »
• Arranging for Accommodations in College
  "I was kicked out of school, but have since been diagnosed with ADHD. Can I... more »
• Medication Choices
  "My son tried Adderall, but started squinting. What do you recommend for a child who... more »
• Should My Grandson Be a Zombie?
  "Last night I observed my grandson after he took his medication. Should medication be causing... more »
• Is Medication Necessary? How Much?
  "Is there such a thing as being medicated just enough to get through school and... more »
• Questions About Concerta.
  Your questions about Concerta, answered... more »
• Depakote and Tegretal
  "What ADHD medication can be used with Tegretal and Depakote?" ... more »
• How to Discipline a Child with Comorbid Conditions
  "My son was diagnosed with severe onset O.C.D., anxiety disorder, and ADHD. How do I... more »
• Difficulties with Reading Skills
  "I have an eight-year-old with ADD who struggles with reading comprehension. Is this common, and... more »
• The Consequences of Untreated ADHD
  "I have a son who was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 8. We didn't... more »
• How Can We Help Our Troubled Child?
  "Our 11-year-old son has been under psychiatric care for 5 years, but is still unhappy... more »
• Daytime Wetting - Medical or Psychological?
  "My son, an 8-year-old on Adderall, has been wetting his pants. How can I break... more »
• Medication on the Job (Airline Pilot)
  "I am a pilot and want to try Ritalin on my vacation. For how long... more »
• Medication During the School Day
  "My son needs a dose of medication at school, but administrators won't take responsibility. What... more »
• When Medication Causes Stuttering
  "Is Wellbutrin causing my stuttering?"... more »
• Where Do I Go From Here?
  "My 10-year-old son may have ADHD, but his doctor says there's no definitive test. What... more »
• Behavioral Changes In Teenage Daughter
  "My daughter has become sexually active, with no regard to consequences."... more »
• Pycnogenol and Alternative Treatments
  "Can you tell me about Pycnogenol and Maquelier's OPC (pine bark extract and grape seed... more »
• When to Give Kids Another Dose
  "Is Adderall causing my seven-year-old son to act out?" ... more »
• Is ADD Genetic?
  "I am 32 and pregnant. Can I continue my treatment for ADD, and will my... more »
• Getting Through to Junior
  "My 14-year-old son has been diagnosed with ADD, learning disabilities and a conduct disorder. He... more »
• Do Medications “Cure” ADD?
  "Will Strattera permanently correct a chemical imbalance in the brain? Or does it just "mask"... more »
• Do Young Kids Need Meds?
  "My son started taking a stimulant for his ADHD, but didn't like it, so we... more »
• Best Medication for Inattentive ADD
  "My daughter was recently diagnosed with inattentive ADD. Is it true that medication is less... more »
• Pregnancy and ADHD meds
  "Can I safely continue my medication while I am pregnant or nursing?"... more »
• Depakote plus Concerta?
  "Depakote made my son more aggressive, and the doctor prescribed Concerta to counteract that behavior... more »
• Dose Differences
  "My son was taking a short-acting stimulant, which improved his symptoms, but his doctor switched... more »
• ADHD Medication and Smoking
  "I have been taking stimulant since last year, and notice an increased desire to smoke."... more »
• A Sweet Tooth
  "My daughter craves sweets, but has little appetite when she's on her medication. Does ADHD... more »
• Mixing Meds
  "My client takes a stimulant, as well as a painkiller and sleeping pills. I think... more »
• A Weighty Concern
  "My 9-year-old has ADD. He is overweight, and we were told that a stimulant may... more »
• Eating Sensitivity
  "My daughter has always been a picky eater. Now at 15, she takes a long-acting... more »
• Repetitive Speech
  "Is repetitive speech due to my son's medicine, his ADD, or something else?"... more »
• Pushing Antidepressants
  "Some of the physicians I've seen have tried to force antidepressants on me, despite an... more »
• Drug Screening Dilemma
  "Will the stimulant medication that I take show up in a potential employer's drug test?"... more »
• Try a Tricyclic
  "My 10-year-old has tried several stimulant medications, and the side effects always outweigh the benefits... more »
• Skipping Strattera Doses
  "My 20-year-old daughter takes Strattera, but skips her medication on weekends. Is this risky?"... more »
• Safe Driving vs. Insomnia
  "The stimulant I take makes it hard to fall asleep, but I'm a safer driver... more »
• Delayed Puberty?
  "Our 13-year-old son shows no sign of puberty. Could his medications be causing a delay?"... more »
• Medication Switcheroo
  "After only two doses of a long-acting stimulant, I felt like a new person. I... more »
• O.K. to Donate Blood
  "I recently started taking a short-acting stimulant. Am I still allowed to donate blood?" ... more »
• Icy Extremities
  "Our son has had extremely cold hands and feet since he began taking Strattera. Is... more »
• Fear of Addiction
  "I used to be addicted to opiates and painkillers, and my doctor has prescribed a... more »
• ADHD and Bed Wetting
  "Our 10-year-old son still wets his bed, yet a urologist could find nothing wrong. Could... more »
• Tough Morning Routine
  "My teenage son has a hard time waking up each morning. Could this be caused... more »
• Responsible for Taking Medication
  "My 12-year-old has been taking ADHD medication for five years. Is he old enough to... more »
• Recently Diagnosed, ADA Information
  "I've just been diagnosed with ADHD. Am I entitled to special accommodations at work?"... more »
• Medication and Seizures
  "My daughter has been treated for seizures, and her neurologist said Strattera could cause more... more »
• Increased Appetite
  "Do stimulants ever cause an increase in appetite? My son has gained weight since he... more »
• Fast Pulse
  "Can stimulant medications cause a rapid pulse? I'm worried about giving stimulants to my son."... more »
• New Doctor, Old Problem
  "I'm unhappy with our pediatrician and the medication our daughter takes. How can I find... more »
• Comorbid Conditions and ADD Meds
  "Will ADHD medication help me stop picking at my skin? I've dealt with this, as... more »
• Meds and Migraines
  "Can ADHD cause migraine headaches?"... more »
• New Problems With Meds
  "I've been taking the same dosage for years with no problems, but recently I've become... more »
• How Many Appointments Do I Need?
  "Our pediatrician requires my four ADHD sons to have screenings every three months. Is this... more »
• Negative Response to Meds
  "I began taking a stimulant, and I experienced anxiety, depression, and crying spells. Does this... more »
• When To Increase Dosage
  "My son's doctor says to take the minimum dose of a stimulant for 30 days,... more »
• Rebounding on Meds
  "My 10-year-old son whines, cries, and so on, as his medication wears off in the... more »
• Should meds improve handwriting?
  "ADHD medication improved my eight-year-old's attention, but not his handwriting. What should I do?"... more »
• Smart, with a "Glitch"?
  "My 18-year-old daughter graduated with honors but her teacher recommends getting her tested for AD/HD... more »
• Understanding Meds
  "Are different medications prescribed for ADD and AD/HD? My doctor prescribed Adderall, but I'm not... more »
• Homeopathy for ADHD?
  "Can homeopathy really help my son with ADHD?"... more »
• Finally Ready to Get Help
  "My 19-year-old has agreed to see a doctor after years of depression and marijuana use... more »
• Ending a Long-Term Drug Treatment
  "I've been taking Dexedrine since being diagnosed with ADD nine years ago. Will I be... more »
• "My Son Takes 8 Pills a Day!"
  "My son now takes two types of ADHD medications, plus six other pills to 'manage... more »
• When Everyone Knows the 'Answer'
  "As ADHD receives more media attention, all of a sudden, everyone seems to know the... more »
• Meds: Covering the School Day
  "My son takes a small dose of Focalin before school. His teacher says that he... more »
• Mixing Imipramine and Stimulants
  "Can we keep our son on Imipramine to stop his bed-wetting, in addition to giving... more »
• Foods That Interfere
  "Fatty foods seem to lessen the effects of my stimulant medication. Do you know of... more »
• Doctor or Patient: Who Knows Best?
  "Can I ask my doctor to increase the dosage of my medication?"... more »
• Long-Term Concerta Use
  "Is it true that long-term use of Concerta can cause 'burnout' of the adrenal glands?"... more »
• Persistent Sleep Troubles
  "My son takes Strattera, as well as clonidine for his sleep problems, but it hasn't... more »
• Dry Mouth as a Side Effect
  "My stimulant gives me dry mouth, and I've had many cavities in recent years. Could... more »
• Caffeine as a Treatment
  "Can caffeine be used to treat AD/HD symptoms?"... more »
• Controlling Anxiety
  "My 18-year-old becomes anxious as her stimulant wears off. What's going on?"... more »
• When Strattera Isn't Enough
  "My son's doctor suggests a small dose of a stimulant in addition to his Strattera... more »
• Meds During Pregnancy
  "Can pregnant women take modafinil, which the FDA may soon approve for treatment of AD/HD?"... more »
• A Teen's Reluctance to Take Medication
  "My 13-year-old has been throwing away his AD/HD pills. How can I get him to... more »
• The School's Responsibility
  "The school nurse was out today, so my daughter didn't get her AD/HD medication. How... more »
• Stimulant Addiction
  "My 16-year-old says he needs two or three times his prescribed dose to stay awake... more »
• Poor Prescriptions
  "I've tried various drugs to treat my ADHD, but they all seem to put me... more »
• Treating Two Conditions
  "I take medication for bipolar disorder. Is it safe to take a stimulant for ADHD,... more »
• Medication After School
  "I think our son needs medication only for the school day. What do you recommend?"... more »
• Switching to Stimulants
  "I've been taking antidepressants for years, but now my doctor says I have ADHD and... more »
• Auditory Hallucinations
  "My daughter says she hears imaginary voices. Is this a side effect of her medication?"... more »
• Daytrana Skin Patch
  "Why is the Daytrana skin patch considered less likely to be abused than pills? And... more »
• Stimulants and Nausea
  "Could my medication be causing my nausea and fatigue?"... more »
• Stimulant Dosage
  "My son takes a larger dose than my friend's son, even though they share similar... more »
• Stimulants and Reflux
  "Is ADHD medication to blame for my daughter's stomach aches?" ... more »
• Former Drinking Problem
  "Does my past addiction put me at risk if I take the stimulant my doctor... more »
• How Can I Tell if the Meds Work?
  "How can I tell if my five-year-old's AD/HD medication is working?"... more »
• Does Coffee Improve Focus?
  "Is it true that caffeine can help children focus?"... more »
• Stimulant Drug Interactions
  "Is it safe to take a stimulant while being treated for high cholesterol and blood... more »
• Stimulants: Short-Term Fix? Or Lifelong Drug?
  "Are stimulants generally taken for just a short period, or will I take this pill... more »
• Are Dosages Based on Weight?
  "If AD/HD medication dosages aren't calculated by weight, why did my doctor weigh me before... more »
• Daytrana Side Effects
  "How does the Daytrana skin patch work? What side effects does it cause?"... more »
• Refusing to Get Help
  "Therapists have suggested that my son has ADHD, but he's too embarrassed to see a... more »
• How Meds Affect Personality
  "Will I think different thoughts or lose my sense of humor by taking a stimulant?"... more »
• Time to Go Off-Label?
  "My seven-year-old developed a tic after he started taking a stimulant. Should we try a... more »
• Alternatives to Swallowing Pills
  "My 10-year-old can't swallow the pill his doctor prescribed. What can we do?"... more »
• Vitamins & Stimulants: A Bad Interaction?
  "I heard recently that vitamin supplements interact with stimulant medication. Is that true?"... more »
• Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
  "My 11-year-old has been taking a stimulant for two years. How much longer should he... more »
• Getting Adequate Care Overseas
  "I recently moved to England, and I’m having trouble finding a doctor who’s knowledgeable about... more »
• Strattera for Comorbidities
  "My son suffers from ADHD and anxiety. His doctor prescribed Strattera. Is this the best... more »
• Persistent Tics
  "My son developed a severe tic after he started taking a stimulant. He stopped taking... more »
• New Treatment Available Soon
  "What can you tell me about Vyvanse, the new stimulant medication?"... more »
• Inheriting the ADHD Gene
  "I don’t have ADHD, but my husband does. If we have a child, what are... more »
• How to Stop Appetite Loss
  "I’m worried about my 10-year-old. He hasn’t gained any weight in the two years he’s... more »
• When Meds Affect the Menstrual Cycle
  "I’ve been taking a stimulant for a few months, and my periods are noticeably shorter... more »
• Medication for Learning Disabilities?
  "Why are there medications to treat ADHD but none to treat learning disabilities?"... more »
• Sleep Strategies for Restless Kids
  "My six-year-old has a hard time falling asleep at night, and she often wakes up... more »
• How to Treat Diabetic ADDers
  "My 11-year-old son, who has type-I diabetes, was just diagnosed with ADHD. Is it safe... more »
• Outgrowing ADHD
  "Will my child need to take ADHD medication for the rest of his life?"... more »
• Nightmarish Side Effects
  "My 10-year-old son has started having terrible nightmares. Is this a side effect of his... more »
• Getting Accommodations at Work
  "I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Am I entitled to special accommodations at work?"... more »
• Weight Gain and ADHD Meds
  "My nine-year-old has oppositional defiant disorder, and he just started taking Risperdal. I heard that... more »
• On- or Off-Meds When Undergoing Evaluations?
  "My 10-year-old son is going to be evaluated for learning disabilities. Should we give him... more »
• Quick Tip for Using the Daytrana Patch
  "My son's doctor prescribed the stimulant patch, Daytrana. I find it difficult to peel off... more »
• Helping ADHD Teens Accept Their Diagnosis
  "My 14-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD and LD. He seems to believe that, if... Counsel for Teens Who Hate ADD
• What to Know About the New ADHD Med
  "I read about a new long-acting, nonstimulant ADHD medication. Can you tell me more?"... more »
• Can a Six-Year-Old Be Treated for ADHD?
  "My six-year-old was diagnosed as having 'a mild case of ADHD,' and the doctor said... more »
• Medicate Our Child? When One Wants It and the Other Doesn't
  "My ex-husband refuses to believe our 12-year-old son has ADHD, even though he has been... more »
• St. John's Wort No Help for ADHD Symptoms
  "A friend told me that St. John’s wort can help kids with ADHD. Is this... more »
• Too Small a Dose? Make Your ADD Meds Last Longer
  "My eight-year-old son takes 10 mg. of Focalin three times a day, but metabolizes the... more »
• Are Trial-and-Error Meds a Thing of the Past?
  "My doctor told me that there is a new test to determine whether or not... more »
• Can Children Outgrow ADHD?
  "I was excited to read about a recent study that shows that children outgrow ADHD... more »
• Is It ADD or a Learning Disability?
  "I have a nine-year-old with ADD. School has become a struggle for him. Is this... more »
• Is It Sensory Processing Disorder?
  My son is a very picky eater. He is very tactile and hates many kinds... more »
• More Fun Without Meds?
  "My 18-year-old stopped taking his ADHD meds because his friends told him he was 'more... more »
• Should Your Medication Cause Mood Fluctuations?
  The ADHD stimulant I am taking controls my temper and helps me feel less overwhelmed... more »
• A Parent's Dosing Dilemma
  My daughter’s doctor just switched her from Ritalin to Focalin. I noticed that her dose... more »
• Skipping Doses Can Be Dangerous for Some ADHD Adults
  My 20-year-old daughter, who has ADHD, skips her Strattera dose on weekends. She assured me... more »
• Roadblock at the Pharmacy
  My son’s doctor recently increased his Daytrana patch dose from 20 mg. to 30 mg... more »
• Side Effect or Compulsive Behavior?
  "Is it common for children on methyphenidate and Paxil to pick their cuticles, nails, skin,... more »
• Vitamins for Hyperactive Kids
  "Do vitamins have a calming effect for ADHD children?" ... more »
• Ritalin and Growth of Children
  "Is there a link between Ritalin and growth problems?" ... more »
• Will ADHD Meds Help Aggression at School
  "Will ADHD medication control my daughter's aggression at school?" ... more »
• Daytrana 'Delay' in the Mornings
  My son's Daytrana patch doesn't seem to 'kick in' until four hours after we apply... more »
• Can ADHD Medications Lower IQ?
  Could my son's ADHD medication be lowering his IQ, while allowing him to focus?... more »
• Concerta and High Blood Pressure
  My son's doctor recently took him off of Concerta due to high blood pressure. Do... more »
• Stimulant Medications Not Working
  I've tried three different stimulant medications for ADHD and none has had any effect. Why... more »
• Can Stimulants Stunt Growth?
  Will a stimulant medication affect my child's growth?... more »
• Alternatives to ADHD Stimulants
  "What alternatives to Ritalin are available to my 11-year-old son?" ... more »
• When to Reduce Dosage of ADHD Meds
  "My son has had a hard time falling asleep since our doctor increased his dosage... more »
• Are Drug Holidays Safe?
  "My son feels sick whenever he takes time off from his ADHD stimulant medication. Is... more »
• Bipolar or ADHD?
  "What's the difference between ADD and bipolar disorder?"... more »
• Diagnosing and Medicating Young Children
  "Our three-year-old shows signs of ADHD. Is he too young to be diagnosed with ADHD... more »
• How Should My Daughter's School Help Improve Her Working Memory?
  "My daughter scored low on a working memory test and her school said there are... more »
• Accidental Overdose
  "What if I accidentally took two of my long-acting stimulant capsules?"... more »
• Can A Blood Test Diagnose ADHD?
  "Can a blood test show a deficiency and diagnose ADHD?"... more »
• Who Should Diagnose My Child with ADHD?
  "Who should diagnose my child with ADHD?"... more »
• ADHD or Just Hyperactive?
  "My six-year-old was diagnosed with ADHD, but I'm not sure she has all the traits... more »
• Is Sensitivity Common in ADHD Kids?
  "My daughter is very sensitive. Is sensitivity common in ADHD kids?... more »
• Can Nicotine Help My ADHD Husband Focus?
  "My ADHD husband takes Ritalin and smokes because he claims that nicotine helps him focus... more »
• When ADHD Medicine Is Ineffective
  "We've tried every ADHD medication on the market, but every three weeks it loses its... more »
• Can Emotional Problems Cause ADHD?
  "My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD last year, while my husband and I were in... more »
• Mixing Medications: Valium and ADHD Stimulants
  "My daughter will have surgery soon and the surgeon prescribed Valium for the day of... more »
• Hyperfocus
  "Is hyperfocus a type of ADHD?"... more »
• Mixing Medications: Over-the-Counter and Stimulants
  "My child takes medication for ADHD. Is it safe to give her over-the-counter medications for... more »
• Mixing Medications: Stimulants and Nonstimulants
  "My son was prescribed Strattera. We didn't see much effect so our doctor prescribed a... more »
• My ADHD Son Has Been Giving Adderall to Friends
  "My attention deficit 17-year-old has been giving his Adderall to friends, and I worry that... more »
• Can I Request a Higher Dose of My ADHD Medicine?
  "I think I need a higher dose of the stimulant I take for ADHD. Can... more »
• Why Does My Son's Doctor Want to Take Him Off ADHD Medication?
  "My 21-year-old son's ADHD medication is effective in treating his symptoms. But his doctor wants... more »
• How Strattera Affects Your Child's Growth
  "Is slowed growth a side effect of the ADHD medication Strattera?”... more »
• Is the Feingold Diet an ADHD Cure?
  "My kids are on the Feingold Diet, and it appears to have cured their ADHD... more »
• ADD and EEG Neurofeedback
  "My children have had success with EEG neurofeedback training. Why don't more doctors offer this... more »
• Preschoolers on ADHD Medication
  "My four-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD, and doctors have suggested Ritalin. What do you... more »
• Identifying Learning Disabilities
  "How can one differentiate between lack of focus related to dyslexia and that related to... more »
• Ritalin and Headaches
  "Are ADHD stimulant medications causing my headaches?" ... more »
• Tics as a Side Effect of ADHD Medication
  "My son was given a higher dosage of ADHD medication, and now has trouble with... more »
• Can an ADHD Coach Help Me Manage My Symptoms?
  I take medication and see a therapist, but I still can’t manage all of my... more »
• LD and ADHD? Recognize the Symptoms
  My daughter is in third grade. She takes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, but... more »
• Intuniv: New Nonstimulant Medication for ADHD?
  I've been hearing about a new nonstimulant medication called Intuniv. Could it be a good... more »
• Rejiggering a Meds Schedule
  Is it appropriate to take stimulant medication on an as-needed basis? I've been taking it... Flexible med schedule »

• When a 'Tween Is Reluctant to Take Meds
  How to respond when a tween insists he no longer needs medication... more »

• Disruptive at School, But Fine at Home
  Q: "At school our eight-year-old daughter is disruptive, can’t focus, and does not keep up... Could there be some other cause? »
• First Line of Treatment?
  "My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and his doctor wants to prescribe a stimulant... Why meds matter »
• Child's Meds Stopped Working Well
  "My son has been taking a stimulant for several years now, but recently it is... Verify diagnosis and dose »
• Higher Dosage, Same ADHD Attention Span
  We've increased her dosage of Concerta, but my daughter's attention span at school is still... Adjusting the dosage
• Is Medication Making My Daughter Pick at Her Skin?
  "My nine-year-old daughter constantly picks at her skin. Her arms and legs are covered with... Get this tic under control »
• ADHD Speak: Terminology Explained
  "Can you tell me the difference between ADHD and inattentive ADHD?"... Understanding types »
• Concerta Helps Me Focus, But I Can’t Get to Sleep
  "I am a 15-year-old girl with attention deficit. I just upped my Concerta dosage from... Adjust with your doctor »
• What's New About ADHD?
  The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) will be... New! Improved! With even more ADHD! »
• Getting My Son to Speak Up About His ADD
  My 14-year-old son was diagnosed with ADD two years ago, and refuses to answer any... Clammed up »
• Meds Aren't Working for Adult ADHD
  My 40-year-old boyfriend has been working with a psychiatrist to treat his ADHD. He's tried... And then...nothing »
• They Pick on My Daughter for Daydreaming
  My daughter, an eighth-grader who has inattentive ADHD, is being picked on in school. She... Put school on the alert »
• "Put down the Game and Pick up Your Room!"
  Why can my son, who is nine and who has ADHD, stay focused on a... Help him clear the next level »
• Sports for Self-Esteem?
  Do sports help a 10-year-old with ADHD manage his symptoms and increase his self-esteem? If... more »
• I Want to Take a Drug Holiday
  Some adults in my ADHD support group take a drug holiday a couple of times... Break time »
• A Little More Info, Doc
  If my child's doctor doesn't explain the ADHD symptoms he observed during her diagnosis, how... Treating ADHD Kids
• Is ADHD the Reason I Sleep Around the Clock?
  Q: "I sleep up to 12 hours a night and nap during the day. Is... Consider other causes »
• My Daughter Thinks She's Dumb
  "I've explained to my daughter how ADHD affects her, but she still thinks she's stupid... First learn why she's struggling »
• FDA: ADHD Medications Pose No Heart Risk
  "I've read that ADHD medications may cause heart problems. Is this true, and, if so,... more »

• ADHD Meds for Nursing Moms: Is It Safe?
  Thinking about breastfeeding while on ADHD medication? Use this safety scale to determine the potential... more »