Question

scenario: a 15-year-old girl with adhd is not responding well to amphetamine salts. she experiences increased anxiety and irritability. question: what is the best alternative treatment? switch to atomoxetine. increase the dose of amphetamine salts. add an ssri. try a different stimulant medication like methylphenidate.

Explanation:

When a patient with ADHD (like the 15 - year - old girl here) doesn't respond well to amphetamine salts and has increased anxiety/irritability, switching to atomoxetine (a non - stimulant ADHD medication) is a good alternative. Increasing the dose of amphetamine salts would likely worsen the anxiety and irritability. Adding an SSRI is not the first - line alternative for ADHD treatment when the stimulant isn't working well. Trying another stimulant (like methylphenidate) may still cause similar stimulant - related side effects (anxiety, irritability) as amphetamine salts.

Answer:

A. Switch to atomoxetine.