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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Questions About ADHD Medication

Questions About ADHD Medication THIS UPDATE examines some of the recent research on medications for ADHD. MEDICATION & SUBSTANCE USE RISK Is risk for substance use reduced in adolescents with ADHD who are treated with stimulant medications? Many parents of youth with ADHD are concerned about whether treating their child’s ADHD with stimulant medications may…

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Supporting Teens & Their Parents

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS who work with teens with ADHD and their parents know that effective treatment often goes beyond simply teaching teens how to be more organized and focused. It’s also about helping to reduce homework battles, improve parent-teen communication, and reduce family stress. Treatment must also help teens to feel more invested in learning…

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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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