DiscoverPMHNP Certification Q & AStimulant Therapy Growth Counseling
Stimulant Therapy Growth Counseling

Stimulant Therapy Growth Counseling

Update: 2025-10-08
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A.J. is an 8-year-old male who is under the care of the PMHNP for ADHD.  His symptoms are profound, and the recommendation is to begin psychostimulant therapy along with behavioral therapy.  The parents are concerned because they have read that psychostimulant therapy can impact growth and final adult height if the child starts taking it before the growth spurt of adolescence.

The most appropriate response to the parents is to say that: 

A. The impact on growth can be minimized by taking breaks from the medication on weekends and over the summer

B. This concern is not supported by the evidence and that there is no impact on growth when appropriately prescribed 

C. The impact on growth can be significant and the best management for this patient is likely a non-stimulant option 

D. The cardiovascular consequences are  actually the bigger concern. 



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Stimulant Therapy Growth Counseling

Stimulant Therapy Growth Counseling

Fitzgerald Health Education Associates