How should I adjust and optimize my child’s ADHD treatment plan over time?
How should you treat your child’s ADHD? In this 8-part guide, find expert answers to the questions that will help you make key decisions about ADHD treatment.
MED EFFECT: How do I know if my child’s ADHD medication is working?
A: Before starting a new treatment, you and your child’s teacher can make a checklist of their symptoms as a baseline. After your child is on the medication… | Keep reading on WebMD »
DOSING: How do we find an optimal dose of ADHD medication?
A: As with the drug itself, doctors can’t predict with certainty which dose will be most effective. Your doctor will start your child with a low dose and move it up as needed… | Keep reading on WebMD »
ADJUSTING MEDS: What should I do if my child’s ADHD medication is not working?
A: Stimulant drugs start to work quickly. If a medicine is going to work, you should see some improvement within 30 to 90 minutes after your child takes it. That also means that if a medicine isn’t helping your child, you’ll notice… | Keep reading on WebMD »
REBOUND: How can I address my child’s irritability as the ADHD med wears off?
A: When medication leaves the body too quickly, ADHD symptoms can return suddenly and intensely. These flare-ups tend to… | Keep reading on WebMD »
DRUG HOLIDAYS: Should my child take breaks from ADHD medication?
A: You may have heard that there are benefits of taking breaks from ADHD medication. It may be a good idea for some kids, but talk with the doctor about what’s right for your child… | Keep reading on WebMD »
CESSATION: How will I know if my child is ready to stop taking ADHD medication?
A: Some kids need to stay on ADHD meds until adulthood. Others outgrow their symptoms or learn to compensate for them as their brain matures. At some point… | Keep reading on WebMD »
FIRST-PERSON: “A 30-Day Supply of Parental Agony”
“As the father of three kids with ADHD, prescription management is basically my part-time job. The pharmacy closes at 8pm, so it’s typically around 8:05pm when someone says, ‘Dad, I’m out of medicine.’ And because stimulants are controlled substances, only the pediatrician can call in a refill.” | Keep reading on ADDitude »
RELATED RESOURCES
FREE DOWNLOAD: Weekly Monitoring Report
Use this weekly log with your child’s teacher to track progress toward academic and behavior goals, and the effectiveness of your ADHD treatment. | Download now on ADDitude »
EXPERT WEBINAR: How to Optimize ADHD Medication
Expert webinar with William Dodson, M.D., LF-APA. | Listen now on ADDitude »
8-Part Guide to ADHD Treatment in Children, from WebMD x ADDitude:
DECISION 1: How should I approach my child’s ADHD treatment plan?
DECISION 2: Is ADHD medication right for my child?
DECISION 3: How can I address side effects associated with my child’s ADHD medication?
DECISION 4: How can I integrate nutrition & supplements into my child’s ADHD treatment?
DECISION 5: How can I integrate exercise & mindfulness into my child’s ADHD treatment?
DECISION 6: What therapies should I integrate into my child’s ADHD treatment plan?
> DECISION 7: How should I adjust and optimize my child’s ADHD treatment plan over time?
DECISION 8: How can my child’s treatment plan safely address comorbid conditions?
