Expert Answers

Ask The ADD Medical Expert

Ask The Parenting Expert

Ask The Learning Expert

Ask The Adult ADD Expert

Ask The Organizer

ADD AN ADHD EVENT!

ADHD Forums

New ADHD Diagnosis

"From all that you have described, it appears you have ADHD but I wouldn't call it mild. If it has caused you the problems that you mentioned, affecting your academics, your family and relationships, your domestic responsibilities, etc..." —Elaine20

Finally diagnosed at 55

"All of a sudden, I could see things much more clearly, was not constantly overwhelmed and over reacting. " —which way is up?

See All Forums

ADDitude Listserv

Reach out to other ADDitude readers nationwide for advice, answers, and encouragement.

JOIN NOW!

ADDitude Archives

Need our best articles about Adult ADD? Missed the last Success at School issue?

Order ADDitude Back Issues Now!

ADDitude Expert Q&As: Diagnosing and Treating ADD

Browse our exhaustive list of commonly asked questions and expert answers about Diagnosing & Treating ADD. Narrow your results using the search tools below. We're confident you'll find what you're looking for.

Click here to submit your own question to ADDitude's Experts

Search by Topic:
Search by Expert:
Enter a Search Term:
Recommended Searches:

Too Young for Treatment?
"What’s the youngest age at which a child can be diagnosed with and treated for... more »
Stimulants and Heart Trouble
"Our family has a history of heart trouble. Does the new stimulant warning mean it's... more »
ADHD and OCD
"Our teenage son, who has ADHD and OCD, is hiding food in his room. What... more »
Conception Concerns
"Should my husband stop taking his stimulant while we're trying to get pregnant?"... more »
Building a Tolerance
"My eight-year-old did well on Strattera for six months, but then his symptoms returned. Is... more »
ADHD Symptoms and Menopause
"My ADHD has gotten worse since I stopped taking Prempro for menopause. What's going on?"... more »
A Qualified Diagnosis
"My son's teacher thinks he might have ADHD. Who can diagnose him and treat this... more »
Explaining ADHD to Kids
"My 10-year-old son has ADHD. Is it okay to talk to him about it?" ... more »
Can You Have Only Some ADHD Symptoms?
"Can you have SOME of the symptoms of ADHD and still be diagnosed with the... more »
Menopause and ADD Meds
"My stimulant is sometimes ineffective. Is this because I'm going through menopause?"... more »
ADHD in Adults
"My wife suspects I have ADD. How do I find a location where I can... 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 »
Sleep and ADHD
"Is ADHD causing my sleep problems?" ... more »
How to Ensure a Correct Diagnosis
"My son was diagnosed with multiple disorders, after an interview and psychiatric observations. Was he... 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 »
Appetite Blunted By Meds
"Because my long-acting stimulant tends to blunt my appetite, I typically take it only on... more »
When to Switch Doctors
"My new primary-care physician told me she doesn’t 'do' adult ADD, and wants me to... more »
What's the Right Dosage?
"I’ve been taking a stimulant for two days, but I don’t feel more focused. How... 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 »
The Six Types of ADHD?
"What do you know about Dr. Daniel Amen's brain imaging research?"... more »
Covering Medication
"My son and I both have ADD. He will need medication for the rest of... more »
Can Children Outgrow ADHD?
"I was excited to read about a recent study that shows that children outgrow ADHD... more »
Health Coverage for Mental Health Services
"My health insurance company denied me coverage for my ADHD and depression treatment. Is it... more »
What to Know About the New ADHD Med
"I read about a new long-acting, nonstimulant ADHD medication. Can you tell me more?"... more »
Talking to Your Teen About the ADHD Diagnosis
"My 14-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD and LD. He seems to believe that, if... more »
How Strattera Affects Your Child's Growth
"Is slowed growth a side effect of Strattera?”... 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 »
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 »
Weight Gain and ADHD Meds
"My nine-year-old has oppositional defiant disorder, and he just started taking Risperdal. I heard that... more »
Getting Accommodations at Work
"I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Am I entitled to special accommodations at work?"... more »
Nightmarish Side Effects
"My 10-year-old son has started having terrible nightmares. Is this a side effect of his... more »
Outgrowing ADHD
"Will my child need to take ADHD medication for the rest of his life?"... 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 »
Sleep Strategies for Restless Kids
"My six-year-old has a hard time falling asleep at night, and she often wakes up... more »
Medication for Learning Disabilities?
"Why are there medications to treat ADHD but none to treat learning disabilities?"... more »
When Meds Affect the Menstrual Cycle
"I’ve been taking a stimulant for a few months, and my periods are noticeably shorter... 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 »
Inheriting the ADHD Gene
"I don’t have ADHD, but my husband does. If we have a child, what are... more »
New Treatment Available Soon
"What can you tell me about Vyvanse, the new stimulant medication?"... more »
Persistent Tics
"My son developed a severe tic after he started taking a stimulant. He stopped taking... more »
Strattera for Comorbidities
"My son suffers from ADHD and anxiety. His doctor prescribed Strattera. Is this the best... more »
Getting Adequate Care Overseas
"I recently moved to England, and I’m having trouble finding a doctor who’s knowledgeable about... more »
Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
"My 11-year-old has been taking a stimulant for two years. How much longer should he... more »
Vitamins & Stimulants: A Bad Interaction?
"I heard recently that vitamin supplements interact with stimulant medication. Is that true?"... more »
Alternatives to Swallowing Pills
"My 10-year-old can't swallow the pill his doctor prescribed. What can we do?"... more »
Time to Go Off-Label?
"My seven-year-old developed a tic after he started taking a stimulant. Should we try a... more »
How Meds Affect Personality
"Will I think different thoughts or lose my sense of humor by taking a stimulant?"... more »
Refusing to Get Help
"Therapists have suggested that my son has ADHD, but he's too embarrassed to see a... more »
Daytrana Side Effects
"How does the Daytrana skin patch work? What side effects does it cause?"... more »
Are Dosages Based on Weight?
"If AD/HD medication dosages aren't calculated by weight, why did my doctor weigh me before... more »
Stimulants: Short-Term Fix? Or Lifelong Drug?
"Are stimulants generally taken for just a short period, or will I take this pill... more »
Stimulant Drug Interactions
"Is it safe to take a stimulant while being treated for high cholesterol and blood... more »
Does Coffee Improve Focus?
"Is it true that caffeine can help children focus?"... 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 »
Former Drinking Problem
"Does my past addiction put me at risk if I take the stimulant my doctor... more »
Stimulant Dosage
"My son takes a larger dose than my friend's son, even though they share similar... more »
Daytrana Skin Patch
"Why is the Daytrana skin patch considered less likely to be abused than pills? And... more »
Stimulants and Reflux
"Is ADHD medication to blame for my daughter's stomach aches?" ... more »
Stimulants and Nausea
"Could my medication be causing my nausea and fatigue?"... more »
Auditory Hallucinations
"My daughter says she hears imaginary voices. Is this a side effect of her medication?"... more »
False Positive on Drug Test
"My daughter was turned down for a job after she tested positive for amphetamines. She... more »
Are Drug Holidays Safe?
"My son feels sick whenever he takes time off from his stimulant. Is this the... more »
Overcoming Heredity With Help
"My mom is bipolar and my father has ADD and depression as well as schizophrenia... more »
Treating Two Conditions
"I take medication for bipolar disorder. Is it safe to take a stimulant for ADHD,... more »
The Feingold Diet
"My kids are on the Feingold Diet, and it appears to have cured their ADHD... more »
Poor Prescriptions
"I've tried various drugs to treat my ADHD, but they all seem to put me... 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 »
Stimulant Addiction
"My 16-year-old says he needs two or three times his prescribed dose to stay awake... 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 »
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 »
The School's Responsibility
"The school nurse was out today, so my daughter didn't get her AD/HD medication. How... more »
Controlling Anxiety
"My 18-year-old becomes anxious as her stimulant wears off. What's going on?"... more »
A Tastier Fish Oil Solution
"I'd like to give fish oil to my son to relieve his ADHD symptoms. What... more »
Caffeine as a Treatment
"Can caffeine be used to treat AD/HD symptoms?"... more »
Mixing Imipramine and Stimulants
"Can we keep our son on Imipramine to stop his bed-wetting, in addition to giving... more »
Meds: Covering the School Day
"My son takes a small dose of Focalin before school. His teacher says that he... more »
Doctor or Patient: Who Knows Best?
"Can I ask my doctor to increase the dosage of my medication?"... more »
Persistent Sleep Troubles
"My son takes Strattera, as well as clonidine for his sleep problems, but it hasn't... more »
Long-Term Concerta Use
"Is it true that long-term use of Concerta can cause 'burnout' of the adrenal glands?"... more »
Dry Mouth as a Side Effect
"My stimulant gives me dry mouth, and I've had many cavities in recent years. Could... more »
When Everyone Knows the 'Answer'
"As ADHD receives more media attention, all of a sudden, everyone seems to know the... more »
"My Son Takes 8 Pills a Day!"
"My son now takes two types of ADHD medications, plus six other pills to 'manage... more »
Foods That Interfere
"Fatty foods seem to lessen the effects of my stimulant medication. Do you know of... more »
Ending a Long-Term Drug Treatment
"I've been taking Dexedrine since being diagnosed with ADD nine years ago. Will I be... more »
Rebounding on Meds
"My 10-year-old son whines, cries, and so on, as his medication wears off in the... 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 »
Smart, with a "Glitch"?
"My 18-year-old daughter graduated with honors but her teacher recommends getting her tested for AD/HD... more »
When to Reduce Dosage
"My son has had a hard time falling asleep since our doctor increased his dosage... more »
Should meds improve handwriting?
"ADHD medication improved my eight-year-old's attention, but not his handwriting. What should I do?"... more »
Understanding Meds
"Are different medications prescribed for ADD and AD/HD? My doctor prescribed Adderall, but I'm not... more »
Comorbid Conditions and ADD Meds
"Will ADHD medication help me stop picking at my skin? I've dealt with this, as... more »
Negative Response to Meds
"I began taking a stimulant, and I experienced anxiety, depression, and crying spells. Does this... more »
How Many Appointments Do I Need?
"Our pediatrician requires my four ADHD sons to have screenings every three months. Is this... more »
New Problems With Meds
"I've been taking the same dosage for years with no problems, but recently I've become... more »
Growing Out of ADD
"My 15-year-old has been fine without medication for the past two months. Is it possible... more »
Meds and Migraines
"Can ADHD cause migraine headaches?"... more »
More Fun Without Meds?
"My 18-year-old stopped taking his ADHD meds because his friends told him he was "more... more »
When To Increase Dosage
"My son's doctor says to take the minimum dose of a stimulant for 30 days,... more »
New Doctor, Old Problem
"I'm unhappy with our pediatrician and the medication our daughter takes. How can I find... more »
Fast Pulse
"Can stimulant medications cause a rapid pulse? I'm worried about giving stimulants to my son."... more »
ADHD and Bed Wetting
"Our 10-year-old son still wets his bed, yet a urologist could find nothing wrong. Could... more »
Responsible for Taking Medication
"My 12-year-old has been taking ADHD medication for five years. Is he old enough to... more »
Tough Morning Routine
"My teenage son has a hard time waking up each morning. Could this be caused... more »
Increased Appetite
"Do stimulants ever cause an increase in appetite? My son has gained weight since he... more »
Medicating Young Children
"Our three-year-old shows signs of ADHD. Is he too young to be diagnosed with ADHD... more »
Medication and Seizures
"My daughter has been treated for seizures, and her neurologist said Strattera could cause more... more »
Recently Diagnosed, ADA Information
"I've just been diagnosed with ADHD. Am I entitled to special accommodations at work?"... more »
Fear of Addiction
"I used to be addicted to opiates and painkillers, and my doctor has prescribed a... more »
Medication Switcheroo
"After only two doses of a long-acting stimulant, I felt like a new person. I... more »
Safe Driving vs. Insomnia
"The stimulant I take makes it hard to fall asleep, but I'm a safer driver... more »
Skipping Strattera Doses
"My 20-year-old daughter takes Strattera, but skips her medication on weekends. Is this risky?"... more »
Try a Tricyclic
"My 10-year-old has tried several stimulant medications, and the side effects always outweigh the benefits... more »
Icy Extremities
"Our son has had extremely cold hands and feet since he began taking Strattera. Is... more »
O.K. to Donate Blood
"I recently started taking a short-acting stimulant. Am I still allowed to donate blood?" ... more »
Delayed Puberty?
"Our 13-year-old son shows no sign of puberty. Could his medications be causing a delay?"... 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 »
Repetitive Speech
"Is repetitive speech due to my son's medicine, his ADD, or something else?"... more »
Eating Sensitivity
"My daughter has always been a picky eater. Now at 15, she takes a long-acting... more »
A Weighty Concern
"My 9-year-old has ADD. He is overweight, and we were told that a stimulant may... more »
Mixing Meds
"My client takes a stimulant, as well as a painkiller and sleeping pills. I think... more »
A Sweet Tooth
"My daughter craves sweets, but has little appetite when she's on her medication. Does ADHD... 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 »
Depakote plus Concerta?
"Depakote made my son more aggressive, and the doctor prescribed Concerta to counteract that behavior... more »
Pregnancy and ADHD meds
"Can I safely continue my medication while I am pregnant or nursing?"... more »
Best Medication for Inattentive ADD
"My daughter was recently diagnosed with inattentive ADD. Is it true that medication is less... more »
Do Young Kids Need Meds?
"My son started taking a stimulant for his ADHD, but didn't like it, so we... more »
Do Medications “Cure” ADD?
"Will Strattera permanently correct a chemical imbalance in the brain? Or does it just "mask"... more »
Getting Through to Junior
"My 14-year-old son has been diagnosed with ADD, learning disabilities and a conduct disorder. He... more »
Is ADD Genetic?
"I am 32 and pregnant. Can I continue my treatment for ADD, and will my... more »
When to Give Kids Another Dose
"Is Adderall causing my seven-year-old son to act out?" ... more »
Pycnogenol and Alternative Treatments
"Can you tell me about Pycnogenol and Maquelier's OPC (pine bark extract and grape seed... more »
Behavioral Changes In Teenage Daughter
"My daughter has become sexually active, with no regard to consequences."... 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 »
Tics as a Side Effect of Medication
"My son was given a higher dosage of medication, and now has trouble with his... more »
When Medication Causes Stuttering
"Is Wellbutrin causing my stuttering?"... more »
Medication During the School Day
"My son needs a dose of medication at school, but administrators won't take responsibility. What... more »
Medication on the Job (Airline Pilot)
"I am a pilot and want to try Ritalin on my vacation. For how long... more »
Daytime Wetting - Medical or Psychological?
"My son, an 8-year-old on Adderall, has been wetting his pants. How can I break... 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 »
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 »
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 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 »
Depakote and Tegretal
"What ADHD medication can be used with Tegretal and Depakote?" ... more »
Questions About Concerta.
Your questions about Concerta, answered... more »
Ritalin and Headaches
"Are stimulants causing my headaches?" ... more »
Is Medication Necessary? How Much?
"Is there such a thing as being medicated just enough to get through school and... more »
Should My Grandson Be a Zombie?
"Last night I observed my grandson after he took his medication. Should medication be causing... 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 »
Reading Disorders and ADHD
"My eight-year-old has trouble reading. I recently read about a sight problem called convergence that... more »
Desoxyn
"Can Desoxyn be used to treat ADD?"... more »
ADD and EEG Neurofeedback
"My children have had success with EEG neurofeedback training. Why don't more doctors offer this... more »
Mixing Medication with Alcohol
"Should I refrain from taking my ADD medication on days I plan to drink alcohol?"... more »
Developing a Tolerance for Adderall?
"My current dose of Adderall is less effective than it had been when I started... more »
Addicted to Ritalin?
"My dose of Ritalin isn't effective anymore. Why?" ... more »
Signs of Adderall Addiction
"Am I addicted to my medication?" ... 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 »
Preschoolers on Medication
"My four-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD, and doctors have suggested Ritalin. What do you... more »
ADHD and Genetics
"Is there anything my son and his wife can do to minimize the chances of... more »
Identifying Learning Disabilities
"How can one differentiate between lack of focus related to dyslexia and that related to... more »
ADHD Medication: The Right Dose?
"My son's ADHD medication is causing him to be irritable...... more »
3 Keys to Mindful Medication
"I have been on Adderall for several months, and I don't think it's working. Should... more »
When Teens Refuse ADD Meds
"Why has my son stopped taking his medication?"... 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 »
Treating Asthma and ADHD
"How do I treat my son's ADHD when he takes steroids for his lung problems?"... more »
Can Childhood Trauma Cause ADD?
"Are signs of ADHD caused by factors other than neurological problems?"... more »
Exercise for ADHD
"Will exercise improve symptoms?" ... more »
Adderall and The Menstrual Cycle
"My 13-year-old daughter takes Adderall, and it seems to affect her menstrual cycle."... more »
Does Medication Delay Puberty?
"My 14 year-old seems to be slow with his puberty. Is there any chance Adderall... more »
Side Effects of Adderall
"My son has had side effects since he started medication, but his doctor says they're... 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 »
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 »
Is The Medication Working?
"How do I know when we've found the right medication and dosage?"... more »
Too Much Medication?
"How do you know if you are overmedicated?"... more »
Narcolepsy and ADD
"What's the link between narcolepsy and inattentive ADD?"... 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 »
Kindergarten Teacher Asks About ADD Meds
"In my classroom, I have two children with ADHD. I need information about medications and... more »
Adderall and Speech Apraxia
"Can my son be treated for both ADHD and speech problems?"... more »
Bipolar or ADHD?
"What's the difference between ADD and bipolar disorder?"... more »
Taking a Child Off Ritalin
"Our doctor wants to take my daughter off Ritalin, even though it helps her. I... more »
Storing and Using the Daytrana Patch
"I've had trouble peeling off the protective covering on the Daytrana patch. Any suggestions?" ... more »
Alternatives to Stimulants
"What alternatives to Ritalin are available to my 11-year-old son?" ... more »
Tourette's and AD/HD
"Could my five-year-old son's facial tics and hyperactivity be Tourette's?" ... more »
How Much Ritalin Is Enough?
"I'm 39 and started taking Ritalin 2 weeks ago. How do I find the right... more »
Medication Side Effects
"Is it common for children on methyphenidate and Paxil to pick their cuticles, nails, skin,... more »
Strattera: What You Need to Know
Dr. Larry Silver explains what doctors know about the non-stimulant treatment... more »
Taking Tests in School
"I struggle with test-taking. Is this common?" ... more »
Putting An End to Aggression at School
"Will medication control my daughter's aggression at school?" ... more »
Ritalin and Growth of Children
"Is there a link between Ritalin and growth problems?" ... more »
When ADHD Gets Worse with Time
"Is it possible for ADD to become more prominent later in life than in the... more »
Vitamins for Hyperactive Kids
"Do vitamins have a calming effect?" ... more »
Helping Teens with Conduct Disorders
"My 17-year-old ADDer is oppositional. He has skipped school and run away from home." ... more »

Click here to submit your own question to ADDitude's Experts

Copyright © 1998 - 2007 New Hope Media LLC. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
ADDitude does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only. See additional information.
New Hope Media, 39 W. 37th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10018