Epidemic of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in America

What is ADHD?

A phenomenon of interest is the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States.   The prevalence of ADHD increased among children ages 4-17 years from 7% in 1998 to 10.2% in 2013 with the highest rates in the Southern region of the country (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).  The number of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD has also increased substantially over the same time period.  The topic is important and of concern because a wide variety of health care providers, such as primary care providers and pediatricians, diagnosis and treat children for ADHD.  It is more appropriate for these patients to be managed by mental health professionals to ensure best practices are being utilized.  

Click here for more information on ADHD:

 http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/10-symptoms-adult-adhd

(Images retrieved from Google Images).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016).  

                   ANTIDEPRESSANTS & Side Effects

There are several common side effects to antidepressant medications.  The least talked about by clinicians and patients is sexual dysfunction.  Most patients with a first episode of clinical depression will be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, citalopram, and paroxetine.  However, these medications can affect libido.  Antidepressants cause sexual dysfunction in up to 70% of patients. It is important to discuss side effects and adverse reactions to your health care provider before discontinuing any medication.  Failing to do so will lead to relapse of the condition.  The good news is there are antidepressant medications associated with lower incidence of sexual dysfunction.  

Talk with a mental health professional today or visit my website for additional information about common side effects you may be experiencing  www.mpinckneytherapy.com or myrasmentalhealthnuggets.com.

The take away point is this:  Never discontinue medications

without discussing additional options with your prescriber.

Medication dosages can be lowered or gradually tapered off successfully with a collaborative agreement between the prescriber and client.
Thank you for reading.
                                                     Until next time...be well.






Courtesy of Google Images