GeneSight testing offered to all of our patients

Are ADHD medications addictive? At the doses correctly prescribed, stimulant medications are not addictive. They can become addictive if someone takes much 

more than prescribed. Children and adolescents with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often self-medicate with much more addictive substances. Some teens with ADHD can be more prone to drug abuse, so if your teen has a history of misusing drugs, that’s something to consider.  Dosing for children changes as they mature and it's important your provider knows when to make those changes.

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has three types.  Previously and still often referred to as ADD treatment, ADHD manifests in several ways.  Some only have hyperactive tendencies which are very evident in both the home and school environment.  Others are affected with inattentive behavior which is often missed, but can be identified by astute teachers.  The third type is combined which is a combination of both hyperactivity and inattentive traits.  Teachers are a good source for helping parents understand where their children fall on this spectrum.

The advent of mobile electronic devices has rewired the brains of many children.  It is important not to pacify children at young ages with this type of entertainment.  Also, the blue light emitted by these devices adversley affects the natural release of melatonin in the brain allowing children to enter into much needed restful sleep.  Hard boundaries need to be adhered to for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), screen time should be ceased at least an hour before scheduled bedtime.

 Schools can play an important part in your child’s treatment plan. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adding behavioral interventions in your child’s classroom. Your child’s plan should include close monitoring of your child’s behavior and making adjustments along the way as necessary. 

We are learning more about the brain all the time.  The developing brain needs to be attended to in order to avoid pour outcomes.  Children experiencing signs and symptoms of mental health disorders should be evaluated as soon as possible to achieve the best optimal results.  There is a wealth of information available online about ADD treatment, and the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not without critics, skeptics and staunch enemies.  Ultimately, the care of your child is what is most important to each parent.

ADHD medications can include side effects of decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, delayed growth, upset stomach, increased heart rate and/or blood pressure, moodiness, irritability and fatigue.  The goal is to avoid side effects through the right medication, taken at the right time, at the right dose.