Many with diagnosed ADHD receive no treatment. Always try at least two medications sequentially. Side Effects compared to cognitive and behavioral performance Side effects gradually increase with dose and become a problem if the beneficial dosage is exceeded as shown above. Summary Ritalin and similar medicines are safe and effective when used appropriately as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including multimodal treatment. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a diagnosable disorder in medical practice and assessment requires information from parents and teachers.
Proper evaluation includes assessing for other possible problems and associated conditions.
Christopher A. Petersen, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the specialties of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association and in the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry . He is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Penn State University College of Medicine. He serves on the Committee on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society. The Child Advocate ADHD Page.