Episode 4: Medications for ADHD

In the final installment of our three-part ADHD series, we explore the real-world challenges and decision-making processes behind ADHD medication management in children. Dr. Gretchen Hoyle returns to guide us through:

🧠 Topics Covered

• Medication combinations and why stimulants are often paired with alpha-2 agonists

  
  

• How insurance formularies influence medication choices more than many parents realize

  
  

• Age-specific prescribing, including alternatives for children who can't swallow pills

  
  

• Navigating medication shortages and supply chain disruptions

  
  

• The role of trial and error in ADHD medication—and how to manage it

  
  

• Introducing genetic testing tools like GeneSight to guide personalized treatment

  
  

• Managing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression alongside ADHD

  
  

• Importance of close monitoring, including questionnaires and side effect screening

  
  

• Why collaborative care between families and physicians leads to the best outcomes

  
  

🧪 Mentioned in This Episode

• GeneSight® – A pharmacogenomic test that analyzes how genes may affect medication response

  
  

• Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales – Used to monitor symptoms and side effects

  
  

• Alpha-2 agonists – Medications like guanfacine and clonidine, often used in combination with stimulants

  
  

📝 Key Takeaways

• ADHD treatment is not one-size-fits-all; medication choice depends on medical, practical, and systemic factors

  
  

• Parents play a critical role in observing and reporting how medications are affecting their child

  
  

• While most children respond well to first-line medications, new tools like genetic testing can provide valuable insights—especially in complex cases

  
  

• Regular follow-ups, screening tools, and open communication are essential to long-term success

  
  

📌 Resources

• www.nimbleyouthpodcast.com – Access episode transcripts, past recordings, and more

  
  

• Learn more about GeneSight Testing
  
  
• Read about ADHD Medication Shortages (CDC)
  
  

🔜 Next Up on Nimble Youth

We're launching a new series on Anxiety in Children:

• Part 1: Anxiety in younger children

• Part 2: The unique experience of teenage girls

• Part 3: Addressing the growing crisis among adolescent boys