ADHD — EVALUATING THE TREATMENT PLAN

Ongoing monitoring of your child's behavior and medications is required to find out if the treatment plan is working. Office visits, phone conversations, behavior checklists, written reports from teachers, and behavior report cards are common tools for following the child's progress.

Treatment plans for ADHD usually require long-term efforts on the part of families and schools. Medication schedules may be complex. Behavior therapies require education and patience. Sometimes it can be hard for everyone to stick with it. Your efforts play an important part in building a healthy future for your child.

Most school-aged children with ADHD respond well when their treatment plan includes both stimulant medications and behavior therapy. If your child is not achieving his goals, your pediatrician will assess the following factors:

· Were the target outcomes realistic?

· Is more information needed about the child's behavior?

· Is the diagnosis correct?

· Is another condition hindering treatment?

· Is the treatment plan being followed?

· Has the treatment failed?

While treatment for ADHD should improve your child's behavior, it may not completely eliminate the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children who are being treated successfully may still have trouble with their friends or schoolwork.

However, if your child clearly is not meeting his specific target outcomes, your pediatrician will reassess the treatment plan.