DEAR ABBY: A year and a half ago, my doctor diagnosed me with ADHD. The medication I take is a stimulant and it curbs my appetite. I take it before school and it wears off by mid-afternoon. Because of this, I don't feel hungry at lunchtime.
My teachers and schoolmates have noticed. They try to persuade me to eat, but I tell them I had a big breakfast or I'm just not hungry.
I know they mean well, but I want them to understand that I'm not anorexic. I don't want them to know I have ADHD because some of them make fun of people who do. Do you have any suggestions? -- ANONYMOUS IN IOWA
DEAR ANONYMOUS: The principal of your school should be told that you are on doctor-prescribed medication that suppresses your appetite so that information can be shared with the teachers who supervise the cafeteria. That way you will receive less pressure to eat from the adults. Your classmates do not have to know.
If someone accuses you of being anorexic, just say that your doctor has told you your weight is normal. It's a shame they would tease someone who has ADHD because it's a condition that so many students and adults share. However, because you feel it would make you a target, you're wise to say nothing.