ADHD

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by problems with attention, overactivity and impulsivity.  It affects 5-8% of school-aged children.  Although children with ADHD can be successful, ADHD can lead to school failure, problems with peer relationships, family stress, substance abuse and accidental injuries if the problem is left untreated.  If your child is struggling in school, seems overly hyper, or is easily distracted or forgetful, we want to help.

To get help, please call our office and speak with our ADHD coordinator.  The coordinator will discuss what kind of problems your child is having and refer you to the appropriate provider.  In many cases, this will be a physician in our office.  However, if the coordinator determines that your child has a more complicated case, your child may be referred to an outside mental health provider.

If you will be seeing one of our physicians, it may be necessary to bring certain paperwork to that appointment.  For example, we may need screening questionnaires completed by parent(s) and teacher(s), grade cards, notes from teachers, and copies of any previous evaluations that have been performed.  Once the appropriate paperwork has been obtained, you will schedule a consult appointment to allow extra time with the physician.

After your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, he or she will have periodic appointments with the physician to monitor his or her progress.  In between physician visits, parents will be asked to meet with a nurse to make sure their child is still doing well.  It is important to schedule these appointments about one week in advance to prevent your child from running out of medication.  If you would like to fill out the follow-up ADHD Progress Report form before you come for these appointments, you may download it from our website.

Management of ADHD should be a team effort.  Your child’s team may include  parents, physician, nurses, teachers, counselor, and coaches.  As a member of that team, we will do our best to help your child succeed in life.

Below are the questionnaires that may need to be completed before your initial evaluation.  Please check with the coordinator to find out which set of forms will be required for your visit. 

• ADDES - Home
• ADDES - School
• Vanderbilt - Parent
• Vanderbilt - Teacher