Initial assessment for ADHD must be IN PERSON and initial Vanderbilt Assessments MUST be completed by both parent and teacher.
- A pre-medication baseline should be established for common side effects associated with pharmacotherapy for ADHD (eg, appetite, sleep pattern, headaches, abdominal pain). Baseline sleep problems do not appear to predict stimulant-related sleep problems and may actually improve with stimulant therapy.
- At the start of medication, Dr. McNeill will discuss the process and expected length of time (ie, one to three months) involved in determining the best medication, dose, and frequency of administration; this includes: the frequency of follow-up, the information that will be needed at follow-up visits or phone calls and behaviors that the caregivers should monitor and report
The first follow-up appointment will be scheduled 1 month after initiation of medication intervention.
- The frequency of follow-up during the maintenance phase may range from every three to six months depending upon adherence, coexisting conditions, and the persistence of symptoms.
- More frequent visits generally are necessary for children with coexisting conditions. In addition to office visits every three to six months, telephone monitoring should occur at the time of medication refill requests. Communication with teachers or other school personnel can be tailored to individual patient and caregiver needs.
- Monitoring adverse effects — The child's height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse should continue to be monitored during the maintenance stage.
- Medication adjustments may be necessary to accommodate changes in the child's lifestyle or activities. Long-acting medications may interfere with sleep onset in adolescents who sleep later on weekend mornings than they do during the week.
Maintenance on Medications:
If your child is doing well on the medication regimen, they can be be scheduled every 3 months for an ADHD Telehealth follow up visit. Patients must have an in-person office visit at least 2 times a year (yearly wellness visit can be one of them) so that growth parameters and vital signs are monitored.