PSK Introduction
Section 1: Guidelines To Effectively Communicate With Your Child's Doctor Section III: Understanding Medication Guides Summary/Conclusion
Section II: Reporting Your Child's Medical History Section IV: Monitoring Your Child's Progress On ADHD Medication: A Weekly Diary Resources/References

AD/HD Fact Sheet

The Cost of AD/HD

The Principles of AD/HD

Signatories

AD/HD Resources on the Web

reporting your child's
medical history
Certain physical and mental conditions present in your child (or in family members) may increase the risk of unwanted side effects from ADHD medications. Most doctors will ask you to complete a medical history form on your child’s first visit. Be sure to list all conditions or symptoms, even those you think
are minor or not relevant.

Like any medication, an ADHD medication can impact certain conditions that are already present in your child – some you may already know of (diagnosed condition or one that runs in the family), but others you may not. Now that your child’s doctor has recommended a daily medicine for your child, it’s critical that you tell your doctor about these pertinent medical conditions or related symptoms. This section provides a checklist of some of the most common medical conditions and symptoms that may impact your child’s treatment with an ADHD medication. Be sure to inform your child’s doctor if you or an immediate family member (i.e., brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents) have experienced any of these conditions.

Please note: This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, so please be sure to report any medical conditions not listed here; they may be important.

Medical Conditions

  • Heart problems or defects, including irregular heartbeat or
increased heart rate3
  • Tourette’s Syndrome or tics4
  • Seizures5
  • Severe gastrointestinal narrowing, including small bowel inflammatory disease6
  • Glaucoma7
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)8
  • High blood pressure9
  • Chest pain10

Behavioral Conditions
  • ADHD in family members
  • Depression or family history of suicide
  • Aggression
  • Psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Conduct Disorder
  • Significant anxiety, tension, and agitation; abnormal thinking or visions
  • Learning disabilities
  • Medication or alcohol dependence

In addition, be sure to notify your child’s doctor of any allergies specific to your child in case the ingredient causing the allergy is present in your child’s medication. Additionally, it is critical for your doctor to know if your child is taking a medicine known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), since a child needs to be off a MAOI for at least 14 days before taking many ADHD medications.11

 
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© 2007 National Consumers League
Parent Starter Kit PDF