Do kids really need medication for ADHD if....

[Anonymous]

Let me clarify... I don't consider his behavior to be hyperactive, it seems like normal "crazy ripping and running around" age behavior

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. I had a rip-roaring crazy boy at ages 3 and 4. He just finished K and did great in school (with no meds). He still gets hyperactive, but with age, he has gained much better self-control. My ped told me that he doesn't even diagnose boys as hyperactive until 7-8 because it's age-appropriate for boys to be hyperactive until then. I highly recommend that you read Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, M.D. It's a great book for all parents of boys, especially ones who may be ADHD. And I also recommend that you find another ped.

[Anonymous]

I waited till middle school before putting my kids on meds. They have powerful side effects (lack of appetite to the point of maintaining weight tops the list for us).

With any medication, the risks should be weighed with the benefit. Are there behaviors that are truly impacting your child's daily life that would warrant meds? Also, what behavioral interventions and training have been tried before meds are introduced? Often teaching strategies to deal with working around ADHD symptoms can be equally as beneficial as meds.