Why I'm going to medicate my kid with ADHD

[Anonymous]

I waited for several years with my DD (with the advice of physicians) and when I finally did medicate her I only wished that I had done it sooner. Her self esteem was crushed. After she came home from school the first day after taking Adderall, she said amazed, "Is this how everyone else feels all the time?"

Don't make yourself sick with worry. You are doing the right thing.

[Anonymous]

I believe parents know their kids best. You don’t have to justify your decision to anyone. As a parent of 3 kids with various SN, I know firsthand every situation is unique. I have one child on ADHD medication who is thriving. Once we started I regretted that we hadn’t started sooner.

I do think the current environment in schools contributes to the problem. Kids need more movement, not less. I was shocked to hear a friend who teaches pre-K complain about one her students who can’t sit still. I told her it’s age appropriate to not sit still!

[Anonymous]

You have to try, OP. It is not a cop out. I don't think your child wants to act the way he is. Give him the tools he needs.

I have a child with a learning disability and ADHD. We started meds this year. So far, it hasn't seemed terribly effective, but we also know it may not be, and/or we may not have the right dosage, med etc. We also haven't had a *bad* experience with it.

[Anonymous]

If his condition is destroying your family life, then I can’t see why you think the school is at fault. I imagine that when you get the right medication, your son will be greatly relieved. It sounds like he is struggling.

[Anonymous]

The problems he is having with impulse control, irritability, and aggression are not because school makes him sit for too long. Even on a farm, there would be things he would have to do and demands placed on him as part of living with other people. His brain chemistry makes it difficult to manage those demands appropriately. Medication will help. You're doing the right thing to go to a psychiatrist because you might have to try multiple medications before you find what works.

I completely agree with this. I grew up on a farm and 2 of my 3 brothers had undiagnosed ADHD. I can't tell you how frustrating it was when those 2 would do things like forget to shut a gate/barn door and then we'd be chasing cows or the dogs would get into the hen house (eat the eggs and disturb the nesting hens). They'd also do stupid shit that resulted in injuries to them or siblings - believe you me, there are a LOT more injuries you can get on a farm than in suburbia. Even with all the 'heavy work' and exercise my brothers got, their inattention and impulsivity were still very notable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP here. Thank YOU for sharing. I agree that it's such a ricochet effect - especially when a lot of this is genetic and more than one person in the family has the same issues. After many years of bugging him, my husband finally got diagnosed with ADHD too, and we've talked about him trying medication at the same time as my son. That would be one bright spot for me because I don't worry about the adverse effects as much in a grown adult - and if it could improve some of my husband's behaviors (terrible working memory, anger/impulsivity), I would be thrilled. He has been extremely resistant to medication (and the diagnosis) but has softened some with the thought that maybe it could make our son more interested in taking medication -- to be like his dad. And it could be a bonding experience for them. Yes, I am grasping at straws, folks!! This is my life.

Thank you thank you everyone. I have been crying all morning but am feeling better now reading your messages.

PP you might consider asking your DH to start the medication first. If he can find one that works well for him it might give you a good place to start for DS. It's not a sure thing, but if the Dr knows one Rx works well for DH, they may start with that one to see if it works as well for DS. My DS and I are on the same RX and it works well for both of us.

[Anonymous]

You could also consider having the GeneSight ADHD testing done. It's supposed to help predict the effect that various ADHD medications will have on the child, based on their genetic profile.

[Anonymous]

You’re kid’s been suffering and you make it all about you.

No one cares if you medicate, op. Get over your damn self.

[Anonymous]

I honestly found the worst part of having my child on medication was the judging from other parents --- so many people rushed to tell me how bad it was, or how it could be fixed if we did therapy, or lived on farm or that my kid was one of the over diagnosed. It was the worst. People sent me recommendations for new diets, exercise programs and whatever. And we did do almost all that.

But, then I medicated my DS, he started improving at school and socially and now we never discuss the medication -- no one ever talks to my about it anymore and it's just part of his daily routine, which totally helps. And of course no judgement since he is doing so well.

Don't listen to the naysayers, OP. Listen to your doctor and your kid and decide what's best. It was life changing for mine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re kid’s been suffering and you make it all about you.

No one cares if you medicate, op. Get over your damn self.

This. Parents like OP, who deny their kids the medication that would help them, for no good reason, make me angry. See 10:32’s post for a window on the world of difference medication can make to a long-struggling kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The problems he is having with impulse control, irritability, and aggression are not because school makes him sit for too long. Even on a farm, there would be things he would have to do and demands placed on him as part of living with other people. His brain chemistry makes it difficult to manage those demands appropriately. Medication will help. You're doing the right thing to go to a psychiatrist because you might have to try multiple medications before you find what works.

I completely agree with this. I grew up on a farm and 2 of my 3 brothers had undiagnosed ADHD. I can't tell you how frustrating it was when those 2 would do things like forget to shut a gate/barn door and then we'd be chasing cows or the dogs would get into the hen house (eat the eggs and disturb the nesting hens). They'd also do stupid shit that resulted in injuries to them or siblings - believe you me, there are a LOT more injuries you can get on a farm than in suburbia. Even with all the 'heavy work' and exercise my brothers got, their inattention and impulsivity were still very notable.

OP here. Great perspective here. Thanks! I keep thinking moving to a farm would solve our problems... good reminder that it won’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re kid’s been suffering and you make it all about you.

No one cares if you medicate, op. Get over your damn self.

This. Parents like OP, who deny their kids the medication that would help them, for no good reason, make me angry. See 10:32’s post for a window on the world of difference medication can make to a long-struggling kid.

OP here. Ha! This made me laugh — in a good way. I probably do need to get over my damn self. It’s so overwhelming to have a kid like this I tend to get really overwh.

[Anonymous]

elmed...

[Anonymous]

(But I am and have been sincerely trying to do the best for my kid)

[Anonymous]

No time to read through the threads but we also resisted meds for hhree years. Did diet change, gluten free, acupuncture, put DC on an intense swim team, did behavioral stuff, took DC to naturopathic dr, etc. Finally put DC on meds. Best Decision Ever!