ADHD Symptoms in Children Slideshow Pictures Take the ADHD Quiz ADHD in Adults Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Follow-up

The primary-care provider, behavioral pediatrician, or child and adolescent psychiatrist will want to see the caregiver and the child often at first to monitor progress and response to therapy. Once the individual's condition is stabilized, follow-up visits will be regular but less frequent.

• The frequency of follow-up visits is quite variable and is dictated by the person's characteristics and convenience, provider experience, and use of psychotherapy.



• Follow-up visits every four to 12 weeks are often appropriate for the first year. After that, visits every three to four months for medication assessment may be adequate for a person whose condition is stable.



• Behavioral therapy may need to be ongoing for months or years.

Federal and state laws grant special educational accommodations for children with ADHD and learning disabilities. Local school districts and regional/state departments of education can provide specific resources available in the local community.