What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?

Although symptoms of the disorder vary, some of the most common signs are:

• Difficulty focusing in a variety of situations
• Hard to stay organized
• Not listening when spoken to
• Having trouble sitting still or waiting in line
• Constantly interrupting others

People with ADHD are easily distracted, cannot concentrate for a long time, and are often restless.

Who is affected by ADHD?

People who were assigned male at birth are twice as likely as women to have ADHD. At least one student in every classroom in the United States has been diagnosed with ADHD.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

ADHD should only be diagnosed by a professional. Since the symptoms of ADHD are similar to many other conditions, you should never self-diagnose.  Instead, seek a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified professional. 

If you are worried that you might have ADHD, you can schedule an appointment with Hall Health or a primary care provider to be screened for other illnesses that can present as inattention. If we suspect ADHD may be the reason for your symptoms, we will refer you to a provider who can evaluate you for ADHD. Unfortunately, Hall Health is unable to offer assessments for ADHD and other learning disabilities at this time.

DRS maintain a page on ADHD Testing and Medication Resources that lists licensed psychologists qualified to diagnose ADHD.

What is the treatment for ADHD?

Stimulants are one of the medicines used to treat ADHD in adults and children.  These medicines work well to treat the symptoms of ADHD about 70-80% of the time. They work by affecting natural chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters (NT).

There are many stimulants available to treat ADHD. Some common names for these medicines include:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Dexedrine
• Daytrana
• Metadate
• Methylin
• Ritalin (short-acting)
• Vyvanse
• Focalin
• Strattera

Many of these are available in both regular and long acting forms.

*Improved concentration after taking a stimulant medicine DOES NOT mean that you have ADHD. 

What are the side effects of treatment?

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Mood changes

Some people should not take stimulant medications. If you have ever had any of the following health issues, stimulants may not be a good choice for you.

• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Presence of irregular heartbeat
• Structural heart abnormalities
• Hyperthyroidism
• History of drug abuse/psychosis and/or schizophrenia
• Narrow angle glaucoma
• Use of MAOI in the past 14 days

How do you use medication for ADHD safely?

Follow these tips to be safe while taking medication for diagnosed ADHD:

• Take these medications only if they have been prescribed for you. 
• Take only the dose you have been prescribed.
• Give your health care provider a complete history of past physical and mental health problems.
• Please take a dose of your stimulant medicine 1-2 hours before your nurse or provider appointment. This will allow your provider to get a true blood pressure reading while you are taking your medications.

How to get medication if you have been diagnosed previously with ADHD?

Due to the potential for abuse of ADHD medications, you will need to take the following steps in order to receive a prescription for medication:

• Fax your medical records, including your ADHD diagnosis, to our Medical Records Department at 206.616.4683.  These records must include a full psychological evaluation, with documentation of any other mental illness and/or learning disorders.
• Schedule an appointment for a records review with a Hall Health Center provider by calling us at 206.685.1011.

What are the legal aspects of controlled medications used to treat ADHD?

Stimulants, which are used to treat ADHD, are a controlled medication. They are listed with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (FDA). 

There are strict rules that you and your health care provider must follow when these medications are prescribed for you.

• Do not give your medication to anyone. This is illegal and can be dangerous.
• Keep your medication in a safe and secure place.
• Follow your provider’s instructions while taking your medication at all times.
• Do not increase your dose without consulting your provider.

Hall Health’s policy regarding controlled substance refills

You must have an appointment at Hall Health and full documentation of the ADHD diagnosis. Then you may be considered for use of stimulant medications.

Hall Health’s refill policy is:

• Stimulants are refilled only by the patient’s primary care provider or their designee.
• Hall Health requires regular appointments and at least 2 business days notice for refills.
• Hall Health will not refill lost or stolen prescriptions.
• Timing of refills and appointments will be at the provider’s discretion.
• Hall Health does not refill stimulants for non-established Hall Health patients.