CHADD Testifies at FDA Meeting

The US Food and Drug Administration recently asked CHADD CEO Robert Cattoi to provide comments regarding the development of abuse-deterrent ADHD stimulant medications. Below is a summary of the comments he presented to the joint meeting of the FDA’s Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee on October 8,…

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Choosing the Best Medication for Adult ADHD

Some simple questions have very complex answers. I am often asked, “What is the very best medicine for ADHD?” The right answer might be “The one that works,” but that is a bit glib. The best answer I’ve found is a redirection: “I don’t know which regimen is best for you, but I know how…

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Treating ADHD and Emotion Dysregulation

A TENDENCY to experience and express intense negative emotions is among the most significant problems people with ADHD face. Among children, low frustration tolerance, rageful outbursts over seemingly small annoyances, and explosive overreactions to disappointments other kids handle with composure often make peer relationships and family life difficult. These difficulties can lead to a cycle…

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Cardiovascular Risk and Stimulant Medication

THE FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD FACE MANY CHALLENGES, including caring for those affected and dealing with the potential side effects associated with therapy. The healthcare system unfortunately has added confusion to ADHD management. In 2006, the FDA released a warning on ADHD medications based on twenty-five reported cases of sudden death in children and…

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What to Do When You Can’t Get the ADHD Medication You Want

Jake is a happy third grader who has ADHD. He takes a stimulant medication that helps him focus, and both his parents and his teacher have noticed an improvement in his behavior, academics, and relationship with classmates. However, the pharmacy just informed Jake’s parents that his medication is on backorder, and they are not sure…

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Peaks and Troughs: Uneven Medication Coverage & ADHD

ADHD is a common and potentially serious disorder of inconsistent self-control. Although medication is never the whole answer, it is usually an important part of comprehensive care. If side effects are avoidable, stimulant medications are usually effective. However, with each dose of medication, blood levels rise and fall, in and out of the therapeutic range.…

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Accountability, Nagging, and Exercise

Does group therapy work for adult ADHD? I have a sneaky suspicion that I could make a lot of progress if I had a group helping to keep me accountable. There has been research showing that certain structured, skills-based groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Part of the reason for that success is…

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Exactly Like Brand?

PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS reassure us: “Generic medications are exactly like brand.” The truth, however, is more complicated–especially when it comes to psychiatric medications. That goes doubly for medications such as the stimulant Concerta. Why? Because it uses sophisticated technology not easily replicated in a much cheaper generic. Here is a brief Q&A to help you…

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