For teenagers with ADHD, what conversations do you prioritise before starting meds?

Before starting medication, I focus on education, expectations, and autonomy. Teens deserve to understand what ADHD is, how medication works, and what it will and will not fix. We talk about benefits, possible side effects, appetite, sleep, mood, and how we will monitor things together. I also ask how they feel about taking medication. Their voice matters. If they feel forced, adherence suffers. We frame medication as a tool, not an identity change. The goal is support, not perfection. When teens feel respected and informed, treatment tends to go much more smoothly.