Kids with ADHD often skip their medications

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder frequently don’t take their medication.  Actually, they’re on their medications only 60% of the time.  Typically, kids take it on time for the first few months and then, it tapers off.  It takes 5 to 6 years for treatment to be consistent.  There are two factors involved here:  Parents could have undiagnosed and untreated ADHD themselves.  They don’t anticipate the need for an appointment and to make it happen due to planning deficits.  Being economically disadvantaged makes it very difficult to keep up with appointments and pay for medications.  Doctors should have a follow-up system with parents if the medications are not being refilled.  Parents should be asked, outrightly, about their plans to refill the prescriptions.  If not, help them to get the medication to their children.  The kids shouldn’t have to suffer.

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