How To Talk To Your Doctor About ADHD Medications
If you suspect that you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, you may be wondering, “Who diagnoses ADHD?” And “Will I need medication to manage my or my child’s symptoms?” While medication is generally part of an ADHD treatment plan for children and adults, many people with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms with behavioral therapy and certain lifestyle choices. Your healthcare provider and care team may suggest medication if ADHD is affecting your ability to function.
What are the most common symptoms of ADHD in children and adults?
Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in children and adults include:
- Being easily distracted or having a short attention span
- Being forgetful or constantly late
- Being known as someone who often talks excessively
- Experiencing frequent mood swings
- Finding it difficult to enjoy leisure activities and relax
If you believe that you or your child are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it can be beneficial to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Bring any questions or concerns to your appointment to ensure a productive conversation with your doctor or your child’s doctor about ADHD.
Early diagnosis and treatment are beneficial when it comes to managing ADHD symptoms long-term. Many people wait too long before addressing concerns with their doctor, and therefore delay diagnosis and valuable treatment.
What medication options are available for ADHD treatment?
During your diagnosis and treatment, your doctor may suggest medication for ADHD. There are two groups (or classes) of ADHD medications: Stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants increase levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that help brain cells communicate with each other) to reduce symptoms like distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Stimulants are typically prescribed first, because they are proven effective in as much as 70% of children and adults with ADHD. If stimulant medication doesn’t effectively manage ADHD symptoms, your ADHD care team may suggest a non-stimulant medication. Non-stimulants target different neurotransmitters to help reduce symptoms like emotional dysregulation and social aggression.
ADHD medication for children can come in different forms, such as pills or patches, and may need to be adjusted over time to ensure the best possible outcome for the child. Exploring all the options with your doctor can help you land on the treatment plan that is most appropriate for your child.
Finding the right ADHD medication for each patient is oftentimes a trial-and-error process. Most patients with ADHD need to try a few medications and dosages before finding the right one for their specific diagnosis.
Why have you chosen this medication for my child or me?
With so many ADHD medications to choose from, your doctor has likely made their recommendation based on your or your child’s particular needs.
How does this ADHD medication work?
Some ADHD medications work differently. The following classes of drugs may be used to treat ADHD in children and adults.
Stimulants
Stimulants used for ADHD include dexmethylphenidate, amphetamine salts, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate. These drugs are meant to help the brain make more dopamine, which helps control mood and increase attention.
Non-stimulant drugs
A wide range of non-stimulant drugs can be used. These work in various ways.
- Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication approved for treatment of ADHD that helps boost levels of norepinephrine in the brain.
- Armodafinil can increase wakefulness and attention.
- Bupropion is an antidepressant that can also help with attention.
- Clonidine, a blood pressure medication, also helps ADHD by improving attention, reducing impulsivity, and limiting aggression.
- Guanfacine is another blood pressure medication that works similarly to clonidine.
- Venlafaxine is another antidepressant that can improve attention.
Questions to ask your doctor regarding ADHD medication
Before you start any medication, you’ll need to know how to take it. Here are some additional questions to ask your doctor about how to take your prescription medication:
- Do I take it every day?
- How many times a day?
- What time of day?
- Do I need to take it with or without food? Or does it matter?
- Is there anything I can't eat or drink while I'm on it?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
How does the medication need to be titrated?
Many medications need to be titrated slowly. Titration means increasing or decreasing the dosage a little at a time until the goal dose is reached. With some medications, you simply begin taking them at the goal dose. With others, you may start with a low dose and gradually increase. If you stop taking the medication, you may need to decrease the dosage slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What is the time frame?
It can be helpful to know how the time frame is going to play out. First, you’ll likely want to know approximately how long it will be until you see an improvement in your symptoms. Some medications will take longer than others, so an honest discussion about the time frame can increase your understanding.
Another time factor you'll probably need to discuss is how long you'll be on the medication overall. Will it become a part of your routine for the long term? Or is it a short-term medication?
What are the side effects?
Side effects may be minor and annoying or serious and severe. You’ll want to have good information on what to expect so that you can seek help if you need to do so. Also, if you know a certain side effect is common, you may be less confused or stressed when it manifests. Below are a few of the ADHD medication side effects that can happen:
- Sleep issues
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Mood swings
- Decreased appetite
- Irritability
- Changes in behavior
- Feeling restless or jittery
- Depression
- Racing heartbeat
- Tics
Certain ADHD medications may worsen ADHD symptoms for some. It’s important to work closely with your care team and let them know how you’re feeling on your medication and whether you notice a change in your symptoms.
What happens if I stop taking ADHD medication?
Many medications for ADHD and other conditions can cause withdrawal-type symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly. Be sure to ask your doctor what would happen before you decide to begin the medication.
What can I do to help the medication work better?
Certain lifestyle changes may help someone effectively manage ADHD symptoms and therefore may be a great addition to an ADHD treatment plan. The following lifestyle choices may impact how well ADHD medications work:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating healthy foods
- Drinking enough water
- Exercising regularly
- Getting fresh air every day
- Maintaining a positive attitude
- How will the ADHD medication be monitored?
Your or your child's doctor will probably need to see you regularly while taking the medication. You might also need blood tests to ensure the proper amount of the medication is in your bloodstream. Your doctor may also order other tests to ensure that the medication isn't affecting your overall health. Discuss these and any other ways of monitoring your health while you're on the medication.
Do not take ADHD medication in lower or higher doses than what has been prescribed to you by your doctor. Never stop taking your medication without your doctor’s consent.
Is medication the only option?
Medication for children and adults may not be the only answer for neurodiversity. Talk therapy and behavior therapy can also provide tools and coping mechanisms for managing symptoms of ADHD. If your child has ADHD, their teacher may also be able to help them learn to slow down and pay more attention. You or your child may benefit from learning self-calming exercises, yoga, mindfulness meditation, or deep breathing techniques.
Considering a complete treatment plan for ADHD
Usually, ADHD medication is only part of the treatment plan. Talking to your doctor about the medication is crucial, but you also need to know how it fits into the overall plan. Many people with ADHD also experience other conditions, such as learning disabilities or mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You or your child will need a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique situation.
If your child is being treated, there may be designated assistance for them at school. You may begin a regular exercise routine or start a new eating plan.
Building positivity
One way therapy helps is by building a positive mindset and creating a problem-solving approach to treating ADHD. This can be an important ingredient in the overall solution to managing your symptoms. Medications may be unlikely to completely remove your symptoms, but they can help dramatically. In addition, you may likely also need positive coping strategies to handle the challenges that often come with ADHD.
Increasing motivation
Another benefit of therapy for ADHD is that it can help you challenge negative beliefs about your abilities and personal characteristics. When you reinforce the good within you, you may be able to build the motivation to increase your skills and personal growth.
The benefits of therapy for ADHD
Your doctor might also suggest that you or your child begin therapy as a part of the treatment plan. Therapy can have many benefits for you if you have ADHD. As a person with ADHD, you might find new practical concerns every day. Therapy can give you time to figure out how to deal with practical dilemmas such as:
- Getting organized
- Managing time better
- Working with your child's teachers or your boss
- Improving your sleep habits
- Managing finances
- Learning calming techniques
Dealing with ADHD mental health concerns
Often, people with ADHD also have related mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These may be caused by the stress of dealing with the disorder, or they may come as side effects of ADHD medications. Either way, dealing with them can help you to get the most from your medication—and any other help you receive.
If your ADHD is causing you to doubt yourself and present practical challenges in life that you can't solve on your own or give rise to anxiety or depression, therapy can help. You can begin online therapy at your convenience with a licensed online therapist at BetterHelp.
Online therapy has many perks. It’s available for participants since there’s no requirement to travel for an appointment and clients can feel more at ease when speaking to a therapist from the comforts of their home.
With a BetterHelp therapist, you can create a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to you and your symptoms—and continue down the path toward improved mental health. One study even found that online interventions were more “effective than waiting list in improving attention deficit and social function of adults and children with ADHD.”
Takeaway
Addressing ADHD is possible. Discussing medications with your doctor can help clarify concerns and inform you about your options. Bring along something to take notes and be ready to ask questions to find out what you need to know.
ADHD doesn't have to keep you from having a healthy, satisfying, and happy life. You can learn to manage the symptoms that come with ADHD. With the right help, you can thrive at school, work, and other arenas in which you find yourself.How do I explain my ADHD symptoms to my doctor?
The best way to explain your attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms to your doctor is to provide an honest picture of how adult ADHD may have impacted your daily life. Describe how your symptoms manifest at home, work, and among others. Do not try to embellish details or fabricate stories; it is often trivial for a medical professional to recognize that type of deceit. Similarly, do not omit features that make your condition seem less severe.
If you have trouble concentrating, trouble waiting, or often make careless mistakes, let your medical provider know when those symptoms occur and how they have impacted you. They will likely refer you to a professional with experience treating ADHD for evaluation.
What do I do if I think I have ADHD?
If you think you have ADHD, you should reach out to a medical or mental health professional for evaluation. Many people begin their ADHD treatment journey by scheduling an appointment with their primary care provider. Very few primary care doctors evaluate ADHD, but they can provide an appropriate referral. Many are comfortable prescribing medication and helping you manage symptoms once the diagnosis has been made by a professional qualified to evaluate ADHD.
You can also reach out directly to a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing ADHD. They are usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist with specialized training in ADHD assessment. Of those, only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but psychologists and therapists regularly work alongside a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe appropriate medication.
What do you say in an ADHD consultation?
The best thing to do in an ADHD consultation is to report your symptoms honestly and openly. The doctor or therapist evaluating you won’t judge, and it's important to provide an accurate picture of how your symptoms impact you. Treatment plans are typically based on the areas most impacted by your presenting condition, and it is important for the professional evaluating you to understand your concerns. It is also important to differentiate ADHD from other conditions; treatment options for ADHD may not be effective if something else is causing the problem.
What is the best ADHD coping mechanism?
Many coping mechanisms help reduce ADHD symptoms, and every person has a particular set of coping skills that works best for them. However, there is evidence that some coping skills are significantly more effective than others for most people with ADHD. While it is difficult to say exactly which is most effective, one of the top candidates would likely be regular physical activity.
Regular exercise is associated with short-term benefits, which appear directly after working out, and long-term benefits, which occur once physical activity is sustained across weeks. Physical activity is shown to boost concentration, reduce hyperactivity, and increase executive function skills. It is also likely effective for reducing the severity of some of ADHD’s comorbid conditions, like mood disorders or anxiety.
Do I have untreated ADHD?
The only way to be sure you have untreated ADHD is to meet with a professional qualified to diagnose ADHD. Even if you feel that the symptoms describe you exactly, other medical and mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. A clinician experienced in diagnosing ADHD can help you be certain of your diagnosis and help you find the proper treatment. Be sure to describe your symptoms using real-life examples and be honest about how they have impacted your life.
Do I have ADHD or anxiety?
The only way to find out if you have ADHD or anxiety is to seek a diagnosis from a qualified mental health or medical professional. ADHD and anxiety can have a similar impact on a person’s life in many domains. For example, a student with ADHD may struggle to pay attention to a test and complete it within the allotted timeframe, lowering their grade. Similarly, a student with anxiety may be distracted by anxious feelings and thoughts of failure, which distracts them from the test, lowering their grade in a similar way to the ADHD student.
ADHD and anxiety disorders can also occur at the same time, and those with ADHD are considered to be at higher risk for anxiety. One study suggests that around 25% of those diagnosed with ADHD also meet the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. It is possible you may have noticed symptoms of one condition but not the other or that something else is causing your concern. The only way to be sure is to seek a professional evaluation.
How would you describe what ADHD feels like?
Many people describe the common symptoms of ADHD based on what domain it affects the most. Teens and college students often report struggling to remain still during class, difficulty retaining information, and behavioral concerns from instructors. Many people report awkward social encounters or giving information. Others struggle with impulsivity and making unwise decisions, including things like overindulging in substance use. The ADHD experience is unique, and no two people will experience it exactly the same way.
How do you tell someone you have ADHD?
You can tell someone you have ADHD in any way you feel comfortable, as long as you are honest about your condition. However, you might want to consider telling your condition only to those who need to know about it and only if the situation is appropriate. One example might be informing HR to request accommodations at work; they have a legal right to know your condition and areas of difficulty.
You may also want to tell people in your support network as long as they will be receptive and encouraging. ADHD is associated with a significant amount of stigma, and not everyone will treat you the same after you tell your diagnosis. If you feel that you don’t want to tell your diagnosis to those in your personal life, you should consider reaching out to local or online ADHD support groups; it is important that you have people in your life who support and understand your condition.
How do I tell my doctor I have anxiety?
Tell your doctor you have anxiety by speaking honestly and openly about the symptoms that are bothering you. Describe how frequently you experience worry, its intensity, and what you worry about. Your doctor will ask how long symptoms have been present, whether you have experienced this before, and how you managed it if you did.
Your medical provider may ask for additional information or refer you to a professional for assessment. If they feel anxiolytic medication would be helpful, they may prescribe it when you describe your worries after weighing the pros and cons of potential misuse and side effects. Most doctors are aware that psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety and will likely refer you to a psychologist or therapist for treatment.
How do I tell if I have ADHD as a woman?
Women have historically been underrepresented in ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and research. The core features of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are present in women with the condition, but they often present somewhat differently than in their male counterparts. Contemporary research seeks to address this disparity by focusing studies on women directly and by developing new diagnostic guidelines that could potentially be used to lower the rate of ADHD misdiagnosis.
For men and women alike, the only way to be reasonably sure they have ADHD is to receive a diagnosis from a qualified professional. For women, it will likely be helpful to seek out a practitioner who understands the latest research regarding how ADHD presents. It is perfectly acceptable to ask a professional their understanding of how ADHD presents in women, what some notable differences are to men, and how the assessment process will differ.
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