Policy Statement - Dr. Michael Dick

re: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Updated January 2000

Obviously certain patients benefit from psychotropic medication and school failure is never acceptable when measures and/or interventions are available.

The following has become evident recently:

ADHD is a more difficult diagnosis to make than was previously thought.

ADHD is not as COMMON as was previously thought.

Learning Disorders, often subtle, are much more common than was previously thought.

Learning Disorders can be made worse or not improved through the use of stimulant medication.

Indiana is the #3 state in the country for prescribing stimulant medication (Methylphenidate-Ritaln, Cylert, Dexedrine etc.) to children.

There is more abuse and addiction potential to stimulant medication than was previously thought.

Therefore we try:

As part of providing complete care for our patients we are committed to finding appropriate help and intervention for our patients with behavioral and learning problems

To that end, new prescriptions for stimulant medication often require a second opinion from a subspecialist with expertise in this area.

Current patients will be encouraged to get evaluated for subtle learning disorders.

Patients will be monitored carefully, weaned off medication if possible, medication holidays will be encouraged and stimulant medication started by another physician may not be refilled.

Medication that is not clearly beneficial shall be discontinued.

Nonpharmacologic intervention by teachers and parents is to be strongly encouraged.