Q: Is it OK for my 16 year old daughter to stop taking her ADHD medication over the summer break?
A: Part of the diagnosis of having ADHD includes that your child's symptoms (whether she is inattentive, easily distracted, impulsive, and/or hyperactive) cause some impairment in her functioning at school, home and in various social situations . In the summer, even if things seem okay at home, an ADHD symptom like impulsivity could cause your teenage daughter more difficulties with her peers, social situations and safety than you realize. Dr. Daniel J. Fitzgerald, III, a Palm Desert Psychiatrist said, “It’s proven that teenagers with ADHD who take their meds have a much lower rate of car accidents than their peers with ADHD who don’t take their medication. During the summer when your child is biking, skateboarding, and around pools and boats, safety is a big concern. It’s only logical that a child or teen who’s not distracted and is paying good attention to what they’re doing will have fewer accidents.” No matter what you decide, you must talk to your youngster’s Pediatrician or Psychiatrist before stopping any medication that’s been prescribed.
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