Question

scenario: a child with adhd and significant anxiety is not responding well to initial adhd treatment.
question: according to the american academy of pediatrics, what should be considered?

• discontinue adhd medication and treat anxiety first.
• add an ssri to the current adhd treatment.
• switch to a non - stimulant medication for adhd.
• increase the dose of the current adhd medication.

Explanation:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for ADHD and comorbid anxiety, when a child with ADHD and significant anxiety does not respond well to initial ADHD treatment, switching to a non - stimulant medication for ADHD is a consideration. Stimulant medications for ADHD can sometimes exacerbate anxiety, so non - stimulant options may be more appropriate in such cases. Discontinuing ADHD medication to treat anxiety first is not typically recommended as ADHD symptoms also need management. Adding an SSRI without proper assessment of the interaction and the specific case is not the first step, and increasing the dose of current ADHD medication (especially if it's a stimulant) may worsen anxiety.

Answer:

C. Switch to a non - stimulant medication for ADHD.