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How To Treat Lack Of Attention And Forgetfulness In An Adolescent?
I just took my son who is 16 to doctor for add symptoms. He has been struggling with attention, disorganization and forgetfulness even more so since starting high school where more responsibility is put on students. I want him to not have all these struggles his last two years of high school. I am very leary of medicine but he does need something to help him. The dr. suggested stimulant or non stimulant meds mild dose to try over summer. I was given a few recommendations to research but I feel i still need advice. His blood pressure is a little high and he weighs 275 lbs 5 11
Tue, 17 Jul 2018
Hello. Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor". I have read your query and here is my advice.
Forgetfulness can be normal in teens. But it happens more often in teens who have attentional disorders, reading difficulties, substance or alcohol abuse, and sleep deprivation(An adolescent the age of your son should get 9 to 9 and a half hours of sleep a night.)
Teens who have attention deficit or learning disabilities can be forgetful because of deficiencies in ability to ORGANIZE, remember, and complete tasks.
May I suggest that your son take the same dose of the medicine that he will be taking during the school year. So that his doctor can seen how effective it is and whether your son has any side effects.
Of course, these meds are started at a low dose and increased gradually every week or so.
Your son is at least seventy pounds overweight. If he loses weight, then his blood pressure reading will come down.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP
Forgetfulness can be normal in teens. But it happens more often in teens who have attentional disorders, reading difficulties, substance or alcohol abuse, and sleep deprivation(An adolescent the age of your son should get 9 to 9 and a half hours of sleep a night.)
Teens who have attention deficit or learning disabilities can be forgetful because of deficiencies in ability to ORGANIZE, remember, and complete tasks.
May I suggest that your son take the same dose of the medicine that he will be taking during the school year. So that his doctor can seen how effective it is and whether your son has any side effects.
Of course, these meds are started at a low dose and increased gradually every week or so.
Your son is at least seventy pounds overweight. If he loses weight, then his blood pressure reading will come down.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP
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