An adolescent female is brought to the emergency department after experiencing a panic attack while at school

Question

She had forgotten to study for a test in Biology. The mother indicates that her daughter is easily distracted, often forgets schoolwork, and has difficulty completing assignments and following instructions. She asks if her daughter should be on medication for ADHD. What is the nurse's best response?
1. "Many medications given for treatment of ADHD can worsen anxiety, which is a major component of panic attacks."
2. "Medication might help with the ADHD."
3. "Have you tried behavioral therapy for treatment of the ADHD?"
4. "It is better to change the diet first as treatment for the ADHD."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Amphetamines and amphetamine-like medications are contraindicated in severe anxiety, as these medications can cause the anxiety to worsen.
Rationale 2: "Medication might help" is not the best answer, considering the effects of most ADHD medications on anxiety.
Rationale 3: Behavioral therapy might be beneficial, but this does not address the question asked.
Rationale 4: Changing the diet might be somewhat beneficial, but it does not address the question asked.
Global Rationale: Amphetamines and amphetamine-like medications are contraindicated in severe anxiety, as these medications can cause the anxiety to worsen. "Medication might help" is not the best answer, considering the effects of most ADHD medications on anxiety. Behavioral therapy might be beneficial, but this does not address the question asked. Changing the diet might be somewhat beneficial, but it does not address the question asked.