Discussion for ADHD

Initial Discussion

Adults and children respond to medications differently. Some potential safety concerns are required when prescribing psychotropic medications for children and adolescents. You were to evaluate a 14-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The mother asked you to prescribe a medication that worked well for a neighbor’s child who was also diagnosed with ADHD but seeing a different provider. You know as PMHNP that the drug she is requesting is off-label medication for ADHD.

In a 2-page paper, APA format using 3 references within 5 years

• Describe how you would proceed with the mother’s request
• Explain the circumstances, in which you would prescribe an off-label drug to a pediatric patient.
• Describe any legal or ethical issues involved with prescribing off-label medication to the pediatric population.
• Provide the description and names of at least three off-label psychiatric drugs that require extra care and attention when used in pediatrics.
• Discuss patient teaching for the family.
• Provide evidence-based references to support your rationale.