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Warning-sign checks

ADHD in children: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for chest pain with collapse or breathing difficulty, signs of a severe allergic reaction, a suicide attempt, or immediate danger to the child or others.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for fainting, a racing or irregular heartbeat, major mood or behavior changes, hallucinations, or severe medication reactions.

    Suicidal thoughts or statements require urgent professional assessment, even when the child says they did not intend to act.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is more frequent when treatment begins or changes.

    Once symptoms and side effects are stable, routine visits are still needed to review progress, growth, physical health, school functioning, and treatment goals.

    A routine appointment should be arranged if symptoms are worsening, school demands have changed, side effects are persistent, or treatment no longer seems effective.

    The clinician may reassess the diagnosis, look for another condition, or adjust the overall plan.

The article also says

ADHD care usually continues over time.

Caregivers can bring teacher feedback, report cards, completed rating scales, and notes about sleep, appetite, mood, and behavior.

Older children should be included in discussions in a way that fits their maturity.

Their views can help identify whether treatment is helping during school, homework, activities, and friendships.

Treatment needs can change as a child develops.

Medicine should not be stopped or changed without discussing it with the prescribing clinician.

Periodic review can determine whether the current plan remains useful and whether school or behavioral supports need updating.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on ADHD in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.