A Physician Is Approached by a Longtime Friend Who Requests

A physician is approached by a longtime friend who requests a prescription for dextroamphetamine.  The physician has known this individual since childhood and is aware that he has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, for which he received stimulant medications throughout high school.  The physician sees her friend socially several times a year, and the friend has been supportive during some difficult times in her own life.  The friend explains that he is under a lot of pressure at work and wants to resume taking stimulants briefly to help him stay focused and meet his deadlines.  Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

A) Before I prescribe, can you tell me if you have had any difficulty tolerating stimulants?
B) I would be comfortable prescribing provided you have been treated with stimulants as an adult.
C) I would like to help you, but I am uncomfortable prescribing for someone I am not treating.
D) I would like to help you, but treating friends and family is always considered unethical.
E) I would like to help you; can you tell me more about your response to stimulants in the past?

Correct Answer:

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