ParentGuide ADHD Medication Parent Guide English

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