A Reference Guide For
Parents
About ADHD and Stimulant Medications
The S.T.A.R.T. Now program was developed in consultation with the following organizations*:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- The National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
- The National Council for Patient Information and Education (NCPIE)
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Novartis would like to thank each of these organizations for lending their valuable time to this project.
Introduction
Learning that a child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may evoke different responses in different parents. You may be relieved to learn the cause for your child's difficulties in school and with social relationships; you may be confused about what ADHD is and what it means for your child; or you may be distressed to learn that your child has a medical condition. Regardless of your personal reaction, you probably have a lot of questions.
Important Facts
- One of the first things you need to know is that you are not alone-many other parents are going through the same thing. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in North America.
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- ADHD is also the most studied childhood psychiatric disorder and has been recognized for over 40 years.
- There are a variety of treatments such as behavioral therapy, counseling and/or medication available to help manage this condition.
- With appropriate treatment, many children with ADHD overcome the challenges presented by the disorder.
You are visiting this website because your child's doctor has prescribed medication as part of his or her ADHD treatment plan. This information is intended to help ensure that children take their medication responsibly. It is also another resource you can access for important information about ADHD. First we'll discuss ADHD treatment and proper use of medication; then, we'll review some facts about ADHD.
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