ADHD - alternatives.to meds

[Anonymous]

For some kids (and most of the more severe cases), meds are the only meaningful solution. Please don't reflexively rule them out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's nothing you need to "make sure you try". It's a personal parenting decision and there aren't rules about it. Medication is not some reward for checking all the therapy boxes.

Those are things that you can try to treat with therapy and it might work, or it might not, and meanwhile he may fall further and further behind academically and the damage to his social relationships will get more and more entrenched.

This. So much this. I wish I had understood this and not waited so long. There is nothing as effective as an effective med and it's nit as hard to find an effective med (for most people) as you think.

+2

[Anonymous]

Medication can be a game changer for the impulsiveness. There is no amount of punishment, sticker chart or therapy that would work with my kid until we added medication. Don't be afraid to try it. You can always stop if its not working.

[Anonymous]

Hi op. My son was younger when first diagnosed so we were fairly motivated to try other things, unfortunately for us none of them worked. We tried diet changes, supplements, neurofeedback. Of course we did parent coaching (multiple types) which is definitely needed and worthwhile but medication has been far and away the most helpful in truly moving the needle and making things easier for my son. It is the most effective treatment we have for adhd. It is the first line of treatment recommended by the AAP because basically they found that trying other things usually still ended up in the child being on medication eventually in line 90-95% of cases or something like that. So, totally understandable to try other things I think most of us do! But don’t wait too long if your child is suffering (my personal opinion)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you "try something else" if he was prescribed eyeglasses or anticonvulsants? It's a medical problem though it does have behavioral ramifications. I have watched so many parents go through the "we won't medicate" routine and end up medicating. Why? Because its the gold standard treatment according to the Academy of Pediatricians. If there was a different options, we would be the first to recommend trying that first.
I wholeheartedly disagree with the "it's a parenting decision " above. A relative (who's also an antivaxxer) refused to medicate and now has a senior student who has reading problems, is barely passing his classes, has no interests in anything, has depression and is on track to go work at the grocery store upon graduation. Total waste of a lovely child who had tons of potential

FWIW, my parents refused to put me on Ritalin when I was diagnosed with ADHD and they and my school proceeded to severely berate and punish me for my entire school career for not doing what I was supposed to yet couldn't. They said something about it stunting growth. And now when I read about medications for ADHD for me as a 46 yr old, it seems they can affect the heart. So while yes, I understand your point, I understand being wary of side effects too.

Myn6 foot two son has been on Ritalin since elementary school. Any good doctor will monitor your child's growth and adjust medications if there is an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you "try something else" if he was prescribed eyeglasses or anticonvulsants? It's a medical problem though it does have behavioral ramifications. I have watched so many parents go through the "we won't medicate" routine and end up medicating. Why? Because its the gold standard treatment according to the Academy of Pediatricians. If there was a different options, we would be the first to recommend trying that first.
I wholeheartedly disagree with the "it's a parenting decision " above. A relative (who's also an antivaxxer) refused to medicate and now has a senior student who has reading problems, is barely passing his classes, has no interests in anything, has depression and is on track to go work at the grocery store upon graduation. Total waste of a lovely child who had tons of potential

NP. Thankfully, that's not true.

Medication can be life-changing for some kids. And for others, not. This board is very pro-meds, others are the opposite. One of our kids takes meds, the other doesn't. And for the one who takes ADHD meds, it seems like it's two steps forward, one or two steps back.

The reason that this board is pro medicate is because the posters are are generally well educated- though there are certainly exceptions.

Even the cdc says the standard of treatment for children above the age of 6 includes medication.

"Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Search Menu
Navigation Menu
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Home
Treatment
Español (Spanish)
On This Page
Behavior Therapy, including Training for Parents
Medications
Parent Education and Support
Tips for Parents
Need help?
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD
Get information and support from the National Resource Center on ADHD

My Child Has Been Diagnosed with ADHD – Now What?
When a child is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents often have concerns about which treatment is right for their child. ADHD can be managed with the right treatment. There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual child and family. To find the best options, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child’s life—healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members.

Types of treatment for ADHD include

Behavior therapy, including training for parents; and
Medications.
Treatment recommendations for ADHD
For children with ADHD younger than 6 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried. For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy and training for adolescents. Schools can be part of the treatment as well. AAP recommendations also include adding behavioral classroom intervention and school supports. Learn more about how the school environment can be part of treatment."

But some mommies know better than the cdc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you "try something else" if he was prescribed eyeglasses or anticonvulsants? It's a medical problem though it does have behavioral ramifications. I have watched so many parents go through the "we won't medicate" routine and end up medicating. Why? Because its the gold standard treatment according to the Academy of Pediatricians. If there was a different options, we would be the first to recommend trying that first.
I wholeheartedly disagree with the "it's a parenting decision " above. A relative (who's also an antivaxxer) refused to medicate and now has a senior student who has reading problems, is barely passing his classes, has no interests in anything, has depression and is on track to go work at the grocery store upon graduation. Total waste of a lovely child who had tons of potential

NP. Thankfully, that's not true.

Medication can be life-changing for some kids. And for others, not. This board is very pro-meds, others are the opposite. One of our kids takes meds, the other doesn't. And for the one who takes ADHD meds, it seems like it's two steps forward, one or two steps back.

The reason that this board is pro medicate is because the posters are are generally well educated- though there are certainly exceptions.

Even the cdc says the standard of treatment for children above the age of 6 includes medication.

"Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Search Menu
Navigation Menu
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Home
Treatment
Español (Spanish)
On This Page
Behavior Therapy, including Training for Parents
Medications
Parent Education and Support
Tips for Parents
Need help?
CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD
Get information and support from the National Resource Center on ADHD

My Child Has Been Diagnosed with ADHD – Now What?
When a child is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), parents often have concerns about which treatment is right for their child. ADHD can be managed with the right treatment. There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual child and family. To find the best options, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child’s life—healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members.

Types of treatment for ADHD include

Behavior therapy, including training for parents; and
Medications.
Treatment recommendations for ADHD
For children with ADHD younger than 6 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried. For children 6 years of age and older, the recommendations include medication and behavior therapy together — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy and training for adolescents. Schools can be part of the treatment as well. AAP recommendations also include adding behavioral classroom intervention and school supports. Learn more about how the school environment can be part of treatment."

But some mommies know better than the cdc.

Insulting concerned mothers on a parenting forum isn't convincing. And you're quoting the AAP, not the CDC.

[Anonymous]

Meds changed my child’s life and mine. For the first time they could concentrate and said meaningful, organized sentences out loud which showed smarts and sensitivity. I was astonished and grateful.

We still used other methods to help behavior: a rewards system (rewards for good behavior, not taking away or punishment), help with self-control, small group learning in school, an IEP, and lots of help form me and husband with school.

Thank God for the meds, it got us started and helped so much so that we could actually get somewhere. Turned out fine and does not take them as an adult.

Anyone who espouses diet or vitamin cures—it’s just bull. Eat healthy, but it’s not about sugar or anything else.

It was obvious to me upon reflection that several of my siblings and probably my father had ADHD. It’s a type of person and type of brain. In our case, they also a have great enthusiasm, energy and optimism. It’s not all bad.

[Anonymous]

I wish my middle schooler w adhd would be willing to take meds. Incredible rigidity and stubbornness. The meds could help so much. In OP’s shoes I would take an all the above approach if child is willing.

[Anonymous]

While my ADHD DS is on medication, I don't fault parents for holding off for their own kids.

I would suggest the following:
Parent training
Daily rigorous exercise
A set schedule with daily developmentally appropriate (as opposed to age appropriate) responsibilities for the child
A set amount of time for the child to zone out/decompress

[Anonymous]

JFC. Since no one wants to discuss OP's actual question, I suggest OP start a new thread without the M word.

[Anonymous]

* Exercise, lots of it.
* Low "passive" TV screen time.
* Yoga/Meditation for kids.
* Friendly redirection (not "punishment") to complete tasks (playing a game, cleaning up, etc)

[Anonymous]

Agree with above on meds, it's ok!

But, will add, we think these have helped: you could also try mindfulness, magnesium supplements, and a balance oriented sport like swimming or martial arts.

[Anonymous]

I had the same struggles. I know people say that medication does not work for all the kids. But you are not going to find out until you try.

For my child, the second medication we tried was light and day. I would describe like a magic pill, thankfully the only side effect is lack of appetite. My child can now learn and enjoy school.

We do supplements, eliminated artificial dies and limit sugar. Also child does vigorous exercise at least 3 days a week. We also do parent led coaching at home. All these things help my child, but only medication truly makes a difference.

One more thing, as they get older I see the importance of medication for social and emotional reasons. ADHD kids already have a hard time connecting with peers, don’t make it harder for them.

[Anonymous]

It is all about experimentation of what works in some respects but at the core I’d describe it this way, make the things you want to stick become habits. And google and try everything that feels like it might make sense from a behavioral training standpoint. Not everything will work for every child so don’t be afraid of experimenting broadly. We found our own intuition got us pretty far.