ADHD- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child outgrow ADHD? What about a cure?
A: ADHD continues into adulthood in most cases. Hyperactive symptoms often improve with age.
Q: Why do so many children have ADHD:
A: The number of children receiving treatment for ADHD has risen. It is unclear whether more children have ADHD or more children with ADHD are now receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic modalities have improved over the years.
Q: Are schools putting children on ADHD medication?
A: Teachers are often the first to notice signs of possible ADHD. However, only physicians with parental consent can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD should follow a careful process.
Q: Can children get high on stimulant medications?
A: When taken as directed by a doctor, there is no evidence that children are getting high on stimulant medications. At therapeutic doses, these drugs do not sedate or tranquilize children and do not increase the risk of substance abuse. Stimulant medications are, however, classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration due to the potential for misuse of these medications when taken other than prescribed. If your child is taking medication, it is always best to supervise use of the medication closely. Your physician may ask you to sign a Controlled Substance Informed Consent Contract if prescribing a stimulant medication to your child. Non-stimulant medications are not considered controlled substances and do not have potential for misuse.
Q: Will use of stimulant medications lead to illegal drug or alcohol use?
A: Research suggests that patients with ADHD who are taking stimulants may be at lower risk of substance use, especially if they are impulsive without medication. Some unmedicated adolescents and adults with ADHD are more likely to seek illegal substances to “self-medicate” for symptom control.
Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics patient education booklet, "Understanding ADHD: Information for Parents About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AAP Feed run on: 9/4/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/4/2024
ADHD- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child outgrow ADHD? What about a cure?
A: ADHD continues into adulthood in most cases. Hyperactive symptoms often improve with age.
Q: Why do so many children have ADHD:
A: The number of children receiving treatment for ADHD has risen. It is unclear whether more children have ADHD or more children with ADHD are now receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic modalities have improved over the years.
Q: Are schools putting children on ADHD medication?
A: Teachers are often the first to notice signs of possible ADHD. However, only physicians with parental consent can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD should follow a careful process.
Q: Can children get high on stimulant medications?
A: When taken as directed by a doctor, there is no evidence that children are getting high on stimulant medications. At therapeutic doses, these drugs do not sedate or tranquilize children and do not increase the risk of substance abuse. Stimulant medications are, however, classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration due to the potential for misuse of these medications when taken other than prescribed. If your child is taking medication, it is always best to supervise use of the medication closely. Your physician may ask you to sign a Controlled Substance Informed Consent Contract if prescribing a stimulant medication to your child. Non-stimulant medications are not considered controlled substances and do not have potential for misuse.
Q: Will use of stimulant medications lead to illegal drug or alcohol use?
A: Research suggests that patients with ADHD who are taking stimulants may be at lower risk of substance use, especially if they are impulsive without medication. Some unmedicated adolescents and adults with ADHD are more likely to seek illegal substances to “self-medicate” for symptom control.
Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics patient education booklet, "Understanding ADHD: Information for Parents About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AAP Feed run on: 9/4/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/4/2024
