Talking to Your Doctor About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Talking to Your Doctor About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about personal risk factors and/or experience with ]]>ADHD]]> . By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in treatment. Because ADHD reaches into every corner of life, dedicated involvement of close family and friends are vital to successful treatment.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

Bring someone else to your appointment with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions ahead of time so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
If you are not happy with your doctor, find a new one. You are in this for the long haul.

Specific Questions to Ask Your doctor

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

I understand this is a tricky diagnosis to make. Can you reassure me that it is correct?
Are other conditions also present?

About Treatment Options

Can we create a comprehensive list of all the interventions we need to make—at school, at home, in the family, and with medications?
What other health professionals should we invite onto our treatment team?
Do you recommend medication? If so,
- Can you assure me that this medication is necessary and at the proper dose?
- For how long will the medicine be necessary?
- Please tell me everything I need to be aware of when using this medicine.
How often should I schedule return visits?
At what point, if any, do you recommend "alternative" options, and which ones?

About Lifestyle Changes

May we sit down and plan together all the areas we need to deal with—such as school, home, family and medications?
What is the best schooling plan for this case of ADHD?
Do you recommend a change of school, occupation, or working environment?

About Your Outlook

What can I expect in the future?
How can I arrange my life to get the most out of it?
- Educational goals
- Vocational goals
- Family and social expectations

References:

ADHD. American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/adhd.cfm . Accessed April 1, 2007.

Ask Me3. Partnership for Clear Health Communication website. Available at: http://www.askme3.org . Accessed April 1, 2007.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm . Accessed April 1, 2007.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association website. Available at: http://www.add.org .

Attention Deficit Information Network website. Available at: http://www.addinfonetwork.com .

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website. Available at: http://www.chadd.org .

National Resource Center on ADHD website. Available at: http://www.help4adhd.org/ . Accessed April 1, 2007.

Last reviewed September 2009 by ]]>Theodor B. Rais, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.