• Assess input from both home and school before diagnosing ADHD in children and adolescents.
• Discuss strengths/weaknesses of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy while considering comorbidities to individualize treatment plan.
• Have functional and symptomatic improvements included in negotiated treatment goals with parents and teachers.
• Do monthly follow-up in early phases of care for each new ADHD patient or new ADHD medication.
  

• Question and document tobacco use at every visit.
• Understand the challenge to quit and expect relapse.
• Identify readiness to quit to best tailor approach to patient.
• Treatment is effective and multiple options allow for individualized interventions.

S.C. Tobacco Quitline Fax Referral Form - October 2010 (pdf)

• Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Return to full psychosocial functioning is the goal of treatment.
• Medication is the mainstay of treatment for initial mood stabilization and maintenance.
• Screen for substance abuse to increase the chance of clinical improvement.
  

• Adequate trial of an antidepressant consists of BOTH an adequate dose and duration
• Rating scales, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), are useful to assess symptom severity before initiating medication and at regular intervals to assess patient response.
• Treat to remission, not just partial response, and inform patients that remission is the goal of treatment.
• Total duration of treatment should last 9-12 months for the first episode of depression, and potentially indefinitely for severe or recurrent episodes.
  

• An adequate trial of an antipsychotic consists of BOTH an adequate medication dosage and duration.
• Use a rating scale to assess symptom severity before initiating medication; then repeat scale at regular intervals to assess patient response and determine if further dose adjustments are needed.
• Talk with the patient and family about the importance of medication adherence and collaborate to provide symptom relief and minimize side effects.