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10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ADHD

Going to the doctor can be intimidating. You might feel rushed and forget to ask important questions about ADHD, especially if you or your child has just been diagnosed. It's always a good idea to know what to ask beforehand and to take notes when with the doctor. Some of the questions below may be worth asking. Print out this page and take it with you to your next appointment.

1. What causes ADHD?

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2. Can some other conditions be misdiagnosed as ADHD? If so, which ones? Have you ruled these out in me/my child?

3. Given the diagnosis, can my child be treated effectively without medication? Are there alternative treatments?

4. If he/she has to take medication, what are the side effects?

5. How long will my child have to take medication, and will long-term use hurt him/her?

6. Is ADHD inherited? If I have other children, what is the likelihood that they will have ADHD, too?

7. Do children outgrow ADHD?

8. How will this affect my child in adolescence and adulthood?

9. Are the medications that children and adults take for ADHD the same, and do they work the same way?

10. What, if any, special accommodations do you recommend for school, home, or the workplace?

WebMD 10 Questions

Reviewed by Patricia Quinn, MD on May 03, 2012