Understanding an ADHD & ADD Diagnosis

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental or neurodivergent condition. It affects the way someone thinks, feels and behaves. ADHD stands
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If your child has ADHD, they may struggle with remembering and organising things or with regulating their attention and energy. They may also show strengths such as being especially energetic, spontaneous or enthusiastic about a hobby or interest.

The following video is very informative for both parents/guardians and children to help understand their ADHD diagnosis:

What is ADD?

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to other people, it falls under the ADHD family.
People with ADD would struggle more with concentration . ADD looks different in every person and many people develop strategies to cope with their symptoms.

Following an ADHD/ADD Diagnosis

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the support they’re offered will depend on what they’re experiencing. It may include help and
changes at school, as well as advice about strategies at home. You may be offered parent support sessions to help you understand and support your child’s ADHD.

Some children and young people are offered medication. Many children with ADHD do not take medication, but if the professional thinks this could be a suitable option, they will discuss this with you. ADHD medication must be prescribed and overseen by a specialist in CAMHS. Following a discussion with your practitioner it will be decided whether your child is suitable for medication and if this is the pathway you want to follow. If it is decided that your child will not be taking medication they will be discharged from the CAMHS service. There are services and support that you can avail of for you and your child. If medication is suitable and this pathway is decided your child will be added to our ADHD Medication Monitoring clinic.

Attending CAMHS For Medication for an ADHD/ADD Diagnosis

If medication is deemed appropriate your child will be added to our medication monitoring clinic.
This clinic works differently for each child as we aim to arrange appointments on the individual needs of each patient.
At the clinic appointment your child will have physical observations taken (no needles or bloods required so no need to worry them!) It will then be decided by our specialist nurse prescribers what medication your child will be prescribed.
Following your first clinic appointment a letter will be sent to your GP to advise of the medication and they will dispense this for you.
Your child will then be put onto a medication review clinic and will be reviewed as and when required as per practitioner. Some young people are seen every 3 months while others could be seen every 6 months to a year.
Please be advised failure to attend arranged medication review clinics will result in medication being stopped and your child will be discharged from service.
If you have any concerns or questions between appointments please contact our service and we will do our best to assist you.

ADHD/ADD Medication

All ADHD/ADD medications work differently for each child. You may find that the first medication they are prescribed works for them!
Your medication prescription will be as individual as you are and your practitioner will work with you to ensure that you are on the
right medication and the right dose that suits your needs.

The generic name of the drug that your child will be prescribed is Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. Here are some of the brand names:

Medikinet XL
Concerta
Equasym
Equasym XL

Your child’s medication will be tailored to suit your child’s needs. Our team will work with you to ensure your child’s needs are met.
We have access to other medications should Methylphenidate not suit the needs of your child.

How to take my Medication

It is important to follow the guidelines set in place by your practitioner in regards to taking ADHD medication.

FAQs:

Medication should be taken at the same time EVERY MORNING along with food. If the child does not take their medication by 11am please do not give medication that day.
We would ask that you give the medication every day initially so that you can observe for side effects and positive outcomes.
As per guidance medication can be taken in different ways, for example, if the child has difficulty swallowing medication whole it can be crushed but you must ensure entire tablet is taken, this must be disused with your practitioner first.
Please advise their school on the day that your child has commenced medication. They need to be aware to be observant for side effects and positive outcomes.
Once you receive your medication you must contact your GP monthly for a repeat prescription. CAMHS will forward relevant correspondence in relation to changes and observations.
When your child commences medication if you have any concerns in regards to side effects please contact CAMHS (Mon-Fri 9am-5PM) or GP Out of Hours outside of these times.
Some children may be required to take medication in school. The family must communicate and arrange this with the school.
Children are not to be handling their own medication. This should not be given to children to take to camps, school or clubs etc. This is a controlled drug that must be controlled and managed by a responsible adult.
Through time if the child is settled on medication your child may take a medication break. This is only to be done if discussed and agreed by your practitioner.
Throughout the course of medication you may find that medication availability may fluctuate. If your child’s medication
is out of stock please contact your pharmacy and ask them to advise of other brands available. To minimise the possibility of
the medication being unavailable please ensure you are reordering your medication with plenty of notice.

If any queries or concerns arise, please contact CAMHS on 02871865238 or your GP practice for the most up-to-date information regarding medication.