Reply to ADHD - medicate or not medicate?

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Reply to "ADHD - medicate or not medicate?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There's no rush to medicate.  He may not need it.  You try behavioral supports first, then add in meds if necessary.

It really depends if the ADHD interferes with his ability to function at school.  It has nothing to do with how well he does academically.  ([b]ADHD meds don't give you better grades.)[/b]  Most kids who need medication, need it to help regulate themselves, stay in their seat, listen to the teacher, etc.

Also, not sure what you mean by "behavioral specialist," but your kid should be seeing a developmental pediatrician to diagnose ADHD.

Also, a good developmental pediatrician will [b]not[/b] recommend change in diet in terms of gluten, dyes, or sugar.  Those are myths and not based on solid, scientific evidence:

"Most diets promoted for ADHD involve eliminating foods thought to increase hyperactivity, such as sugar, and common allergens such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend avoiding artificial food colorings and additives. So far, studies haven't found a consistent link between diet and improved symptoms of ADHD, though some anecdotal evidence suggests diet changes might make a difference."

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20196197
[/quote]

Ok this confuses me.  We are considering medication for our ADHD- inattentive daughter largely for her inability to focus in school and complete assignments on time.  If the medication helps her focus then presumably she will be able to concentrate on what she is learning and her grades will improve.  And anecdotally I have heard parents say that their child's grades shot up after starting medicine. [/quote]

Grades will improve-this person just has their own opinions about meds. And yes, a DP WILL try strategies within you and supplements and diet changes before recommending meds-there are a lot of things that resemble ADHD and not everyone reacts well to meds. We had Dr. chuck Conlon when my teen son was little (he has since retired0 who was considered "one of the best", and he had us try fish oil/magnesium, walking to school reselling books with the librarian, taking breaks, pro price-time props to use when needed in and out of the classroom, etc. Again, when they are little, meds are less necessary, but eventually, they will struggle to keep organized, turn things in, and focus/concentrate on the task at hand. Before that, it's more about behavior/social issues. While meds are not about your child doing well in school, they are about your child finding strategies that help his ADHD, and since school is a big part of his life, helping him navigate school and all it entails as he grows is one of those things it helps with.[/quote]

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