I know I have ADHD, but everyone has issues with my dosage.
Isn't every person's metabolism different? And is there a way to prove I need a higher dosage than I am being prescribed, since at the dose I am on, I can't remember how why I left the kitchen to go to the bedroom?Answered by:Wilfred Van Gorp
Each person's response to a medication is different and unique to that person. Some patients may need a higher dose in order to have a therapeutic response; others respond to only a small dose and encounter unwanted side-effects on a higher dose.
One way to determine if the dose of your medication is producing an optimal response is to take some brief cognitive attention tests while on your medication. If the tests appear in the normal range, then it is likely you are on a beneficial dose of the medication. If, however, the tests indicate you are still inattentive, you might discuss with your physician increasing the dose and then being re-tested on the higher dose. This will determine, empirically, if the increased dose has resulted in a clinical improvement.
Dr. van Gorp is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of Neuropsychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. He is a clinical and research neuropsychologist who sees patients for evaluation in addition to conducting scientific research. An active member of his profession, Dr. van Gorp is past president of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and a past member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. Dr. van Gorp serves as Editor of the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Journal of Clini...
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