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Choosing a Healthcare Professional

Overview: 

Who Diagnoses ADHD?

Primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and neurologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD

Psychologists and nurse practitioners can diagnose ADHD

Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and occupational and family therapists can provide behavioral therapy

Your doctor can explain how medications such as CONCERTA® can help manage your ADHD symptoms

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Related links: ADHD Treatment Options   ADHD Medication Safety  Treatment with CONCERTA®

Choosing a Healthcare Professional

Who Diagnoses ADHD?

Primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and neurologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD

Psychologists and nurse practitioners can diagnose ADHD

Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and occupational and family therapists can provide behavioral therapy

Your doctor can explain how CONCERTA® can help manage your ADHD symptoms

If you think you may have ADHD symptoms, it's important to schedule a medical evaluation with a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults.

Healthcare professionals who treat ADHD include primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and neurologists. Psychologists and nurse practitioners can diagnose ADHD and some are licensed to write prescriptions for medication. Some primary care physicians have experience with diagnosing ADHD, while others may refer you to a specialist they know and trust.

Since no single laboratory test for ADHD exists, ADHD can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. A healthcare professional will likely guide you through a list of questions from a standardized ADHD checklist. You may be asked about your past and present experiences at school, work, and home. Your healthcare professional will gather information about other potential causes and coexisting medical conditions.

An effective way to treat ADHD includes a comprehensive approach, which includes both medication and behavioral therapy. Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and occupational and family therapists provide behavioral therapy. Support groups are another option.

To prepare for your healthcare visit, create a customized Doctor Discussion Guide. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, ask how treatment with CONCERTA® may help you address the everyday challenges of ADHD—so you can get back on track at home, at work and in social situations.


CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.

This site is published by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.