Treating ADHD with Medication
At the Chesapeake ADHD Center, we work as an integrated team. Our staff psychiatrist may work with individuals who are undergoing evaluation for ADHD, who have already been diagnosed with ADHD, or who may deal with other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD.
Our staff psychiatrist does not focus on medication alone, but also emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and structure within the home, the school, and the community, no matter what mental health disorder may be encountered.
When considering medication for children
We understand that parents are often reluctant for their child or adolescent to take stimulant medication. If we believe that medication may be helpful as part of a comprehensive treatment approach, our staff psychiatrist will make an extra effort to educate parents about the risks and benefits of medications, while simultaneously helping parents to understand that they in no way are obligated to chose medication as a treatment.
When we prescribe medication for children and adolescents, it is never a stand-alone treatment, but is always part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include individual therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, school consultations, ADHD coaching, or professional organizing services.
Testing and assessment of children and adolescents prior to assessment for medication
If your child has been previously evaluated and diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, your initial contact with the Center may by for a psychiatric evaluation that includes an evaluation for medication.
However, children or adolescents who have not previously undergone evaluation for ADHD, will be referred to a Center clinician for an initial assessment before proceeding to see the child psychiatrist. The clinician may perform psychological and educational evaluations to assess not only ADHD, but other disorders that are commonly found with ADHD.
When considering medication as an adult
Adult patients have the option of evaluation for ADHD through a clinician before seeing the psychiatrist, but may choose to see the psychiatrist directly for evaluation and consideration for medication. If the psychiatrist believes that other types of treatment would be advisable, she will make that recommendation. In addition to medication, the center also offers the experience of seasoned therapists, professional ADHD coaches, and professional organizers.