How to Obtain a Prescription for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR defines the criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD. Being diagnosed with ADHD is the key requisite to obtaining a prescription. Prescriptions must be written by a psychiatrist or qualified medical doctor.

Risks involved with medications used to treat ADHD are addiction and illegal marketing. According to the Center for Substance Abuse as cited by Janet Kramer, MD, FACP, "Fifteen Percent of U.S. 12th Graders Have Used Prescription Drugs Nonmedically in the Past Year". (See reference 1)

Things You'll Need

• List of behaviors and concerns
• Psychiatrist or medical doctor

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Instructions

• 1

  For 30 days, make a chronological list of the behaviors or reasons that you believe that you or a family member may be experiencing ADHD. Be as specific as possible. List any concerns you have as well.
  Example:
  October 1: Bill's homework unfinished after 5 attempts, chores not completed
  October 2: Bill's chores incomplete after 10 attempts

• 2

  Research the medical providers in your area to know that the person you choose to see has a solid background with treating ADHD. A link is provided for this in the resource given. Make an appointment.

• 3

  Provide the physician with the list of behaviors you have noted on the first visit. Discuss any special concerns you have noted. If the physician diagnosis you as being ADHD he may write you a prescription as part of your treatment. If the patient is a child and the physician has enough information to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD he may write a prescription as part of the child's treatment. However, if he has any doubts or as an added safety measure, he may give you a document that is called a child behavior checklist (CBCL) and ask that you have his school teacher complete this. This allows him to view the child's behavior in two environments.

• 4

  Provide the teacher with the CBCL and confirm the date you can pick it up before leaving. Schedule time for returning the completed CBCL to the psychiatrist on the day you pick it up.

• 5

  It is important that you remain active in the event that he doesn't begin treatment with medication. Continue making notations of behavioral changes, dietary changes, sleep disturbances, etc. Additionally, attend all follow up appointments and contact him to answer questions that can't wait until your next appointment. If the physician diagnosis ADHD he may provide a prescription as part of the child's treatment.