The Parents' Guide to ADHD Medicines

by Peter Hill

Overview

This reassuring guide explains prescribed ADHD medicines for children in clear, everyday language. Based on questions the author has received from countless families in his work as a Consultant Psychiatrist, the expert information in this book answers the most pressing questions a parent will have about ADHD medicines: how they work, what they do, what is available and how to talk about them to your children.

This book sheds light on why not all medicines are easily available, the differences between certain medications and their level of effectiveness, all based on scientific evidence. This information will support parents in discussions with medical professionals, explaining the practicalities and demystifying the terminology around medication and treatments. The book also provides insights into the decisions behind prescribing certain medicines and how they should be taken. Armed with this guide, parents - as well as teachers and others working with kids with ADHD - can feel confident and assured when their child is prescribed treatments for ADHD.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787755680
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	04/21/2021
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.71(d)

About the Author

Professor Peter Hill is Emeritus Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a Consultant Psychiatrist in independent and clinical advisory practice. He has over 40 years' experience of treating ADHD with medicine.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What this Book is About and Why I Thought I Could Write It 9

Part 1 ADHD Medicines: The Essentials 13

1 What I Mean by a 'Medicine' 15

2 The Names of Medicines and the Jargon of Prescribing 17

3 What ADHD Medicines Do, in Practical Terms 30

4 What ADHD Medicines Do for the Brain 36

5 How Do We Know Medicines Work? 41

6 Side Effects in General Terms 45

Part 2 The Individual Medicines Used in ADHD 51

2a The Stimulants SB

7 Methylphenidate 55

8 The Amfetamines 71

9 Side Effects of the Stimulants 78

2b The Non-Stimulants 101

10 Atomoxetine 103

11 Prolonged-Release Guanfacine (Intuniv) 110

12 Clonidine 118

2c Other Substances Used for Treatment 125

13 Modafinil 127

14 Tricyclic Antidepressants 130

15 Bupropion 132

16 Nicotine 134

17 Caffeine 135

18 Dietary Supplements and Nutritional Approaches 136

19 ADHD Medicines When ADHD Exists Alongside Some Other Condition 145

20 Medicines Not for ADHD Itself but Which May Come into Play 152

Part 3 The Practicalities of Treatment with Medicines 163

21 The Place of Medicines in the Treatment of ADHD 165

22 How ADHD Medicines Are Chosen by Prescribers 172

23 The Availability of Medicines 184

24 Starting to Give Medicines 188

25 How to Give and Take Medicines 191

26 Measuring the Effect of a Medicine 195

27 Disagreements Between Adults 202

28 Keep Taking the Tablets 205

29 Stopping ADHD Medicines 214

30 Some Questions I Have Been Asked 219

Appendix 1 The Synapse 229

Appendix 2 Further Resources 234

References 236

Index 241

Editorial Reviews

The absolute 'go to' book for parents and young people wishing to understand the facts about medication for ADHD. Clear, practical and honest, it is no surprise that Professor Hill has written this brilliant, step by step, conversational yet authoritative guide about ADHD treatment. A book designed to both dip into and read cover to cover. In the 20 years I have worked with families of children and young people with ADHD, this is the book I have longed to be written, and Professor Hill is the expert I hoped would author it. His experience, manner and ability to convey complex issues simply will ensure this book becomes a family compendium.

Valerie A Ivens

Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask - this book provides the answers. Professor Peter Hill, an internationally recognised expert in the field, sits down with parents/carers and covers everything they want to know about pharmacological treatment for their ADHD child.

Professor Susan Young