Parents told to medicate kids with ADHD

Well I wish the best for each parent that goes this route as I am one that was apparently "Diagnosed" with it at the age of 16. I know it's going to be different for each person but I would advise each parent to watch and really talk with your children about how you feel. I've been on and off about 4 different types of adhd medication two of which sent me down the suicidal road and now I am on antidepressants while one other landed me in the psychiatry ward of a hospital. So now I am on one that is on a smaller dose and much more manageable.

If there is one thing I could say about all this is that it's a shame we don't have a way of seeing which ones kids would be good with they just have to try one until it sticks and works which can pose a problem as in the case of my story. So if anyone actually goes for it I wish you the best because it may be something they have to stay with for a long while :|

Originally posted by RedParrotHead
Forced medication for ADD? That's ridiculous.

But whoever thinks that medicating for ADD/ADHD is wrong in ALL cases needs to get a grip. When your kid starts struggling with work, disrupting other kids to the point that they don't want to sit near him (which leads to them not wanting to be friends) and is continually stressed out because of these things - you just want them to be able to function happily, period.

Two of my three kids have been diagnosed (1 with ADHD, 1 with ADD) with mixed results.

Our pediatrician spent 7 years specializing in ADD and was very good, gave 2 pieces of advice that I think were very important.
1. Does your child have good days and bad days? If yes, then that child does not have ADD/ADHD (true cases never have good days). If no, the child MAY have ADD/ADHD.
2. Even if diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, there's a chance no meds will help.

My older was (mis)diagnosed with ADHD...the boy could not sit still in school, could not focus when around other children at all. We went through all of the alternatives to medication (positive reinforcement, punishing, food allergies, meditation etc.) After months with no success, we decided to start medication...after a year of different meds/doses/combinations and not seeing any drastically positive results, we took him off. Elementary school was a huge challenge with him to get through but as he entered middle school he seemed to settle down and now in High School he's fine...an A-B student with no more attention problems that the typical 14 year old boy.

My middle son was recently diagnosed with ADD (no hyperactivity this time, just couldn't stay focused and never finished school work etc.) and was getting worse, so we tried meds and his teacher immediately saw a change. Finishes all his work, doesn't distract other kids and just seems like his old happy self. The only personality change we noticed is that he doesn't cry at little things anymore, before he's cry if he spilled a drink, or his sister took his toy etc...it's a welcome change.

Anyway - glad we have the choice as parents.

edit on 11/21/2011 by RedParrotHead because: (no reason given)

edit on 11/21/2011 by RedParrotHead because: (no reason given)

I have done a bit of personal research into the side effects of some ADHD and ADD medication and i got to say its not pretty.

The most common side effects of methylphenidate are nervousness, drowsiness and insomnia. Other adverse reactions include:[47] Abdominal pain Akathisia Alopecia Angina Appetite loss Anxiety Blood pressure and pulse changes (both up and down) Cardiac arrhythmia Diaphoresis (sweating) Dizziness Dyskinesia Dysphoria or Euphoria Formication[48] Headaches Hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic purpura) Lethargy Libido increased or decreased Nausea Palpitations Pupil dilation[49] Psychosis Short-term weight loss Somnolence Stunted growth Tachycardia Xerostomia (dry mouth)

This doesnt take into effect the damage to the brain over a sustained period.

Short-term clinical trials lasting a few weeks show an incidence of psychosis of about 0.1%.[65] A small study of just under 100 children that assessed long-term outcome of stimulant use found that 6% of children became psychotic after months or years of stimulant therapy.

reply to post by JIMC5499

Originally posted by JIMC5499
You have the government and the teacher's unions to thank for this. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the school can claim more funding from the Federal Government. If this wasn't bad enough, one of the ways that the teacher's unions get around No Child Left Behind is to have as many students diagnosed with "learning disabilities" as possible. In addition to the increased funding (teacher's salaries) there are adjustments made to the school's score because of the number of students with "disabilities". School administrators don't do anything about this because the increased funding means that there is more money for them as well. My wife taught in Public schools for several years before she got a position in a private school. She used to tell me what was discussed at her "continual education" seminars that she was required to attend. If parents knew what was discussed at these "seminars" they would be looking for rope and several tall trees. Instead they are led to believe that this is what's right for their child according to "education professionals". They are led to believe that their child is going to recieve "special attention" and that if they allow this to be done everything will be fine.

I can't speak for everywhere, but my wife is an elementary school teacher and by law can not even SUGGEST to parents that any of her students should be medicated for ADD/ADHD (as she's not a doctor). All she can do is inform the parent of the child's problems in school. If the parent asks about medication she can only say that they need to talk to their pediatrician about it and that as a teacher she will do everything possible to help the child that she can in the classroom. There is no conspiracy that include schools & teachers here.

Believe me, it's a tough decision for any caring parent to make - my wife cried everyday because of our own child struggling with this and we tried endless alternatives, me being a ATSer and all! I do ask our pediatrician about all medications and if she's affiliated in anyway with them if something is prescribed to my kids...which was only for ADD meds and that was a 'No' - if you don't trust your child's doctor get a new doctor.

Originally posted by daryllyn
[color=dodgerblue]I think a lot of parents would find that cutting out sugary drinks, refined carbs and processed foods would help their children a lot more than meds.

Just sayin'

edit on 21-11-2011 by daryllyn because: i can

I have a son with numerous allergies, food and otherwise, which all aggravate a very acute case of eczema. We have had doctors push all sorts of steroid creams and other hardcore medications (anti-rejection drugs!) on him as well. They worked for a time, but in the end they all lost effectiveness in masking the symptoms.

In our opinion, he was also borderline autistic, with rage episodes, disconnection and repetitious behaviors. We finally did some research, and began changing his diet. As of right now he doesn't eat wheat, sugar, corn syrup, soy, peanuts, food colorings, or any artificial chemical additives.

He's a happy kid with some adjustment issues (try being nine and not getting all the crap your classmates get everyday!) and we can immediately tell when he has cheated on his diet, through his skin and in the case of sugars, through his behavior. I tell people he's like an angry drunk on sugar, and he is. Anyone who thinks the sugar:behavior connection is a myth hasn't taken a sugar free kid and slammed their blood with processed sugars!

I bet a gentle for of nlp and hypnosis would work better

reply to post by TiM3LoRd


The fact is all medications can have bad side effects. As a parent you have to consult a trusted pediatrician, get a second opinion, try alternatives, weigh all of the options.

I've done endless hours of research myself...there are numerous ADD/ADHD meds and some of the side effects are not pretty - I agree. Did your research find that a large percentage of kids who truly have ADD/ADHD and go untreated resort to self medicating with illegal drugs and alcohol? Did your research find that a larger percentages of untreated ADD/ADHD fall so far behind their peers that they feel they can never catch up and drop out of school?

If my kid has a broken arm, I'm going to put a cast on it.
If my kid is diabetic I going to give them insulin.
If my kid shows sign of being sycophantic I getting them the proper medication for it.
If my kid has ADD/ADHD I'm treating it the best way I can, if that's medication so be it.

I happen to reside in a house with 2 childern who have been told they have ADHD. Without the medication their litteraly off the walls hyper (no matter how much you try to tire them out), cannot focus on the simplest of tasks (being winter, snow pants/jackets etc, can take these 2 up to 30 mins, even when left to get dressed alone) complaints from teachers only about there lack of focus in school. One other child in the house does not have ADHD or ADD, basically the same, and things dont occur. While on medication litteraly EVERYTHING is correct, I do dislike when the meds full effect does kick in, sometimes there a little too docile for a child but add some proper stimuli and it can be corrected to something more acceptable.

If you dont have any expirence what so ever dealing/living with childern with ADHD or ADD then dont post a thread or a post with your biased opinion solely because you dislike medication as a form of treatment. Im very anti vaccine and medication and researched the crap out of the meds my 2 childern are put on.

Feel free to bash me and others as bad parents by saying we dont know how to parent or control our childern, but sadly it is us who knows whos wrong. There are massive differences between those with ADD and those who dont have it, along with those on medication and those without. The sole reason the 2 childern being on medication is so that they can focus and learn in school and get the education they need, and not have school just be a crappy daycare with subpar education. Atleast that the time spent at the subpar school is teaching them something.

reply to post by TiM3LoRd


If you don't have a diagnosis, then it'd be good, right?

I mean, just thinking of ways around the "state" medicating a child.

S&F

reply to post by RedParrotHead


It was the same for my wife. The way it worked when she taught was that she had to referr "unruly children" to a school counselor. The counselor would then have a meeting with the parents and reccommend that the child see a doctor. The counselor would reccommend a certain doctor that the school district had a contract with. If the child saw that doctor a "specialist in learning disabilities" the district would cover the cost of the appointment. Over 95% of the children who saw this doctor were diagnosed with a "disability".

Originally posted by daryllyn
[color=mediumorchid]I was advised by my son's speech language pathologist to take him to see a therapist. So, trusting her completely, I did.

She saw my son for all of 15 minutes and wanted to medicate him.

He was barely 3 years old.

We got up and walked out of the office and never went back.

edit on 21-11-2011 by daryllyn because: (no reason given)

Good for you!

Im absolutely gobbsmacked at the amount of blind trust that many parents put into these drugs...People, kids are crazy. I mean nut bag flying off the handle more energy than any of us older folks will ever have non shutting up breaking stuff crazy. THAT is what a kid is. THAT is how children act because their mental capacity hasn't matured to the point of comprehending cause and effect. I do not dispute that for some children the drug may be beneficial, but the fact is, more and more parents are becoming to freaking lazy to do what it takes to raise a child properly. They instead rely on these drugs to calm their children down which makes the lazy parents life easier.

How about instead of medicating every damn child, we start giving psych screening for expecting parents. If you are a lazy schmuck with no common sense, your expected baby is put up for adoption to go to parents who ARE capable, and then you are sterilized. Gotta clean up the turds from the gene pool bowl some how.

reply to post by JIMC5499


Doesn't work that way here, at least in elementary school. We've ever only talked directly with teachers about our children's behavior and our family pediatrician. Also I know for a fact that my wife, as a elementary school teacher, has never referred a student to a counselor because of classroom behavior that's attention related...she talks to parents.

She has had several students over the years who clearly need some treatment for ADD/ADHD and their parents decide not to medicate or successfully treat in other ways...she does her best, gives as much special attention as possible to those kids and that's it.

Maybe 95% of those kids ARE in need of meds....most likely it's something in the Pittsburgh water up there...clearly it affects Steelers fans. Sorry, I could not resist! go ravens...

I medicate my son.

Now, while you're gathering your breath to yell at me, let me tell you why.

My son does have ADHD (inattentive type, meaning not hyperactive). That is one diagnosis amongst 5 that make him mentally unstable. It took us 9 years of doctors, us fighting for him (sometimes fighting him), fighting red tape, fighting bureaucracy, fighting school administrations, clinical testing by the folks who write up the standard of care (that big book behind every shrink's desk), mental institutionalization against parental consent, fighting for tests, fighting for therapy, and more. But we researched. Researched some more. Talked to multiple "professionals" - I use quotes because I swear I knew more despite the lack of an alphabet behind my name on some of them.

Eventually, we decided on medication because he finally came to a point where the benefits outweighed the risks. In our individual case, we hit on the right meds and right dosage right away. We've had to tweak here and there, and will continue to do so as his brain, puberty, and abilities change and mature. The hope that we have for our son is that eventually he will be able to live independently, and have an enjoyable, productive life. I honestly don't know at this point if he will achieve that goal, but we're doing everything we can do to give him the best chance. His reaction to taking the drug he is on is, "It makes my brain calm."

But here's the thing... It was OUR choice. Yes, we consulted others, but it was our choice. It wasn't "mandated." It wasn't forced. We didn't do it until WE were ready to take that step and until WE felt that it was warranted, not someone else (or else he would have been medicated before testing even took place). Every individual is different. For some kids - they just need therapy, others need an outlet, others need a change in diet, others need all of the above, others just need patience, others need meds. Every single case is different, because every case is an individual person. Not a diagnosis of ADHD, or any other mental disability or illness. A person. A child.

As for my son... Whether he is medicated or not, he amazingly smart, sharp, sarcastic, witty, LOVES to read (a new development I'm thrilled about), a collector, a hoarder, a slob, an incredibly talented artist, with an intense need to feel loved. He takes medicine that helps him think BEFORE jumping off the roof to see if he can fly. He may still try to fly, but at least he has a chance to think about a consequence like a broken arm now. Most of all, he is NOT a diagnosis. He's Joseph, and he's unique. If his care/medication was mandated... He'd probably be in a mental institution right now. But because we were able to mold his care to him, and our family, as the unique person he is, he has friends, a school he loves, and pursues his interests. Because care wasn't mandated, he has a chance.

Michele

reply to post by pilgore

I feel where you are coming from... Sometimes we have to do what we feel is best for our kids even though we may not like it. I feel it's personal opinion and most has to do with the trust you have in your doctor. I never trusted the first two I took my daughter to because I felt they didn't do a proper evaluation, not to mention they messed her meds up 3xs. I'm no doctor but I want someone to observe my daughter in natural surroundings and then give me a diagnosis. My current doctor has been practicing for over 35 yrs and is against medication, but says she has had to use it in the sever situations. I'm not going to say meds are good or bad, but what I will say is make sure you trust the source and to only use meds as a last resort. Good luck and I hope your kids are doing great. ADHD is nothing to smirk about...

I know this will make certain people say "oh brother" but here goes: it's extra stupid that they're thinking of forcing kids to be medicated when much evidence exists to suggest that vaccinations are linked to ADD. So if the correlation is correct, they first GIVE them ADD, then force them into more drugs for it. Nice.

Originally posted by daryllyn
[color=dodgerblue]I think a lot of parents would find that cutting out sugary drinks, refined carbs and processed foods would help their children a lot more than meds.

Just sayin'

edit on 21-11-2011 by daryllyn because: i can

I do all that and even trick my kid by giving her Non-sugar treats that she "thinks" has sugar. I wasn't so lucky on Halloween... We also only drink Crystal Light and water in my house, and do not eat any fast food, except for pizza every other week for good behavior. In fact instead of giving treats my daughter and I give high fives as rewards... and she gets mad if she doesn't get her high five too LOL... I just wish when she went to her mom's she would keep keep her on the routine, but she doesn't. Trust me I have tried to explain to her that sugar is like crack to kids with ADHD, but she thinks it's a joke and has even doped her up on ice cream before she drops her back off just to piss me off and laugh about it... Women...

Originally posted by JIMC5499
She used to tell me what was discussed at her "continual education" seminars that she was required to attend. If parents knew what was discussed at these "seminars" they would be looking for rope and several tall trees.

Okay now you have to come clean and tell us parents what exactly is discussed that we are missing out on...

Originally posted by RedParrotHead
My middle son was recently diagnosed with ADD (no hyperactivity this time, just couldn't stay focused and never finished school work etc.) and was getting worse, so we tried meds and his teacher immediately saw a change. Finishes all his work, doesn't distract other kids and just seems like his old happy self. The only personality change we noticed is that he doesn't cry at little things anymore, before he's cry if he spilled a drink, or his sister took his toy etc...it's a welcome change.

Anyway - glad we have the choice as parents.

edit on 11/21/2011 by RedParrotHead because: (no reason given)

edit on 11/21/2011 by RedParrotHead because: (no reason given)

If you don't mind what medication is he on? I have a daughter who has all these symptoms and cries over "spilled milk" and many other things. BTW I no longer have her on meds because in her case it made her worse and I am now trying a new doctor who doesn't think she needs it. Just want to see if it's something we have tried before for future reference.

Originally posted by TiM3LoRd

Parents told to medicate kids with ADHD

www.skynews.com.au

The National Health and Medical Research Council is considering controversial draft guidelines that could refer parents who fail to medicate their children to child protection authorities.

The guidelines were written to address concern over the use of stimulant medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and to guide doctors who treat the disorder.
The draft paper says in the short term, 'combined behavioural-pharmacological treatment is most effective' in normalising child behaviour.

Critics are concerned the guidelines could lead Australia to over-medicate its child

(visit the link for the full news article)

Oh screw that!! My son has never been on meds. for his Asperger condition and he is getting better, although there is no cure for it, I was last told there is also no medication for it. I have been asked why my son is't medicated, and I said i don't believe in medicating my son for his issue. They would give me weird looks, but I can handle my son who is now 14, and is fine. I seen kids on those types of medications and yes they do get worse in my opinion, but it is not up to me but the parent. I will fight this is I have to, but son will not be medicated, unless he wants medication as an adult at age 18.

reply to post by SmArTbEaTz


Pretty much the ways that the teacher's union can use your children as pawns against the school boards to get what they want. Instead of teaching your children what they need to know to pass the State required tests, to just teach the test. How to set up lesson plans to indoctrinate your child in the current political views that the union advocates. How you as the teacher knows what is best for the students not the stupid parents. I could go on and on.

Originally posted by RedParrotHead
reply to post by JIMC5499

 

Doesn't work that way here, at least in elementary school. We've ever only talked directly with teachers about our children's behavior and our family pediatrician. Also I know for a fact that my wife, as a elementary school teacher, has never referred a student to a counselor because of classroom behavior that's attention related...she talks to parents.
Maybe 95% of those kids ARE in need of meds....most likely it's something in the Pittsburgh water up there...clearly it affects Steelers fans.

Sorry, I could not resist! go ravens...

I hope it stays that way.

No 95% of the kids don't need the meds. I have nothing against medicating a child that NEEDS it. I just see the way it worked in the district where she taught.

I will not go into my opinion of the RAVENS, it would get me banned from ATS. I mean they are just the Cleveland Browns in drag