Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DS started medication in 6th grade. It was a big mistake.

DS has gone thru adderall, focalin, concerta, ritalin. Started after teacher said he was having trouble focusing and getting tests by pediatric neurologist. It seemed like a godsend in middle school and really did help then, but in high school it started affecting his sleep. We did not do enough research and did not fully understand the tradeoffs. Getting up at 5:45 for school going to school medicated, crashing after school, taking something else for homework (offered by DR when DS complained about homework), taking something else for sleep, on and on. All prescribed by DR with parents thinking this was helping. Child started thinking that pills were solving problems. Affected mood, both highs and lows. Took a whole summer of no medications to work this out and let DS starting to sleep normally again.

Don't start with medication, start with counseling, and tutors if necessary, and after that has been exhausted, and even then I would change schools first, and only then would I think about trying these ADHD medications. There are no biological tests for ADHD, it is all subjective judgement by a DR.

I would also challenge parents, are your children really that much different than when you were a child? I had the same attention and focus issues, still do, but I learned ways to adapt, and the school/pressure wasn't so over the top.

Thanks for the honest feedback. I think sometimes those of us that choose to medicate become very defensive about that choice and don't admit that there are side-effects or other options.

I think the reason some people become defensive is because of the immediate PP who doesn't seem to have a balanced view of her experience with medication. If you ever go to the SN forum, you'll see lots of parents discussing the side effects of medication and the challenges they have finding one that works and with an acceptable level of side effects. Even though the PP noted improvements that 'seemed like a godsend and really did help', she feels her later experience negates all that. What I see in her post is an extreme reaction that doesn't sound reasonable and is colored by prejudice - she had the same attentional issues but she learned to adapt. The implication is that everyone else should as well. In recalling kids of her own time, she likely doesn't realize the kid that was considered stupid or a trouble maker likely had ADHD - which is what the kids with it in my day were labeled. It bespeaks of ignorance about ADHD and continues the stigmatization of those who choose to treat their children's neurological disorder with medication. No medication is without risk and without potential side effects. Not all medical providers are equally capable of treating ADHD. To make argue that medication should only be considered after changing schools is extreme.

FWIW - I have one child that can't tolerate the stimulant medications and the non-stimulants provided no benefit. I have another child that responds very well to stimulant medication and we've seen no negative side effects - not even weight loss or sleep issues.

I want to apologize if my post came out as preaching or extreme. I did not mean to criticize or tell anyone else what to do. Anyone that has children especially those that just don't fit in or are challenged at school, knows the stress and fear and knows that each is unique and special. I actually like the description snowflake even though people hear use it as negative. I just wanted to add my personal experience and opinion. Anyone that has children knows that you are never truly happy until your kids are happy. I have reflected on these past decisions often, and don't think we did the best we could. The OP asked for feedback and I wanted to provide my experience.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DS started medication in 6th grade. It was a big mistake.

DS has gone thru adderall, focalin, concerta, ritalin. Started after teacher said he was having trouble focusing and getting tests by pediatric neurologist. It seemed like a godsend in middle school and really did help then, but in high school it started affecting his sleep. We did not do enough research and did not fully understand the tradeoffs. Getting up at 5:45 for school going to school medicated, crashing after school, taking something else for homework (offered by DR when DS complained about homework), taking something else for sleep, on and on. All prescribed by DR with parents thinking this was helping. Child started thinking that pills were solving problems. Affected mood, both highs and lows. Took a whole summer of no medications to work this out and let DS starting to sleep normally again.

Don't start with medication, start with counseling, and tutors if necessary, and after that has been exhausted, and even then I would change schools first, and only then would I think about trying these ADHD medications. There are no biological tests for ADHD, it is all subjective judgement by a DR.

I would also challenge parents, are your children really that much different than when you were a child? I had the same attention and focus issues, still do, but I learned ways to adapt, and the school/pressure wasn't so over the top.

Thanks for the honest feedback. I think sometimes those of us that choose to medicate become very defensive about that choice and don't admit that there are side-effects or other options.

I think the reason some people become defensive is because of the immediate PP who doesn't seem to have a balanced view of her experience with medication. If you ever go to the SN forum, you'll see lots of parents discussing the side effects of medication and the challenges they have finding one that works and with an acceptable level of side effects. Even though the PP noted improvements that 'seemed like a godsend and really did help', she feels her later experience negates all that. What I see in her post is an extreme reaction that doesn't sound reasonable and is colored by prejudice - she had the same attentional issues but she learned to adapt. The implication is that everyone else should as well. In recalling kids of her own time, she likely doesn't realize the kid that was considered stupid or a trouble maker likely had ADHD - which is what the kids with it in my day were labeled. It bespeaks of ignorance about ADHD and continues the stigmatization of those who choose to treat their children's neurological disorder with medication. No medication is without risk and without potential side effects. Not all medical providers are equally capable of treating ADHD. To make argue that medication should only be considered after changing schools is extreme.

FWIW - I have one child that can't tolerate the stimulant medications and the non-stimulants provided no benefit. I have another child that responds very well to stimulant medication and we've seen no negative side effects - not even weight loss or sleep issues.

Anonymous wrote:Our DS started medication in 6th grade. It was a big mistake.

DS has gone thru adderall, focalin, concerta, ritalin. Started after teacher said he was having trouble focusing and getting tests by pediatric neurologist. It seemed like a godsend in middle school and really did help then, but in high school it started affecting his sleep. We did not do enough research and did not fully understand the tradeoffs. Getting up at 5:45 for school going to school medicated, crashing after school, taking something else for homework (offered by DR when DS complained about homework), taking something else for sleep, on and on. All prescribed by DR with parents thinking this was helping. Child started thinking that pills were solving problems. Affected mood, both highs and lows. Took a whole summer of no medications to work this out and let DS starting to sleep normally again.

Don't start with medication, start with counseling, and tutors if necessary, and after that has been exhausted, and even then I would change schools first, and only then would I think about trying these ADHD medications. There are no biological tests for ADHD, it is all subjective judgement by a DR.

I would also challenge parents, are your children really that much different than when you were a child? I had the same attention and focus issues, still do, but I learned ways to adapt, and the school/pressure wasn't so over the top.

Thanks for the honest feedback. I think sometimes those of us that choose to medicate become very defensive about that choice and don't admit that there are side-effects or other options.

Anonymous wrote:Our DS started medication in 6th grade. It was a big mistake.

DS has gone thru adderall, focalin, concerta, ritalin. Started after teacher said he was having trouble focusing and getting tests by pediatric neurologist. It seemed like a godsend in middle school and really did help then, but in high school it started affecting his sleep. We did not do enough research and did not fully understand the tradeoffs. Getting up at 5:45 for school going to school medicated, crashing after school, taking something else for homework (offered by DR when DS complained about homework), taking something else for sleep, on and on. All prescribed by DR with parents thinking this was helping. Child started thinking that pills were solving problems. Affected mood, both highs and lows. Took a whole summer of no medications to work this out and let DS starting to sleep normally again.

Don't start with medication, start with counseling, and tutors if necessary, and after that has been exhausted, and even then I would change schools first, and only then would I think about trying these ADHD medications. There are no biological tests for ADHD, it is all subjective judgement by a DR.

I would also challenge parents, are your children really that much different than when you were a child? I had the same attention and focus issues, still do, but I learned ways to adapt, and the school/pressure wasn't so over the top.

My kids aren't much different than my brothers at the same age. Which is why we're aggressively pursusing treatment for their ADHD - medical and non-medical interventions. Unlike you, my brothers didn't develop appropriate compensating startegies. They started to 'self-medicate' when they were teenagers. This self-medicating contributed to the emergence of some disorders that are common with ADHD. These behaviors and disorders mutually reinforced each other and the results were devastating. Two of my brothers didn't live past their mid-20s and another still struggles. My DH was diagnosed with ADHD after our oldest DC. It was actually a relief for him because it explained why he struggled so much as an child and an adult. He's determined our kids will not struggle as he did particularly with self-esteem and confidence. Even moderate cases can be too much for therapy/interventions alone. When you have a brain disorder, sometimes you need medication to restore balance. Just because you didn't educate yourself well on pharmocological treatment doesn't mean that it's inappropriate, ineffective or should be avoided. As with all health related matters, people need to be proactive about making informed decisions. Had you done a better job, your child would not have thought pills would solve his problems. Even the least amount of research would have indicated a multi-modal approach is the best treatment for ADHD.

Just because there is no objective test for ADHD doesn't mean that it isn't a real neurobiological disorder with and potentially devastating if not appropriately treated. No one seems to doubt ALS (Lou Gehrig's), PTSD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, diagnoses even though there's no objective test for them. Why is there such skepticism with ADHD?

Our DS started medication in 6th grade. It was a big mistake.

DS has gone thru adderall, focalin, concerta, ritalin. Started after teacher said he was having trouble focusing and getting tests by pediatric neurologist. It seemed like a godsend in middle school and really did help then, but in high school it started affecting his sleep. We did not do enough research and did not fully understand the tradeoffs. Getting up at 5:45 for school going to school medicated, crashing after school, taking something else for homework (offered by DR when DS complained about homework), taking something else for sleep, on and on. All prescribed by DR with parents thinking this was helping. Child started thinking that pills were solving problems. Affected mood, both highs and lows. Took a whole summer of no medications to work this out and let DS starting to sleep normally again.

Don't start with medication, start with counseling, and tutors if necessary, and after that has been exhausted, and even then I would change schools first, and only then would I think about trying these ADHD medications. There are no biological tests for ADHD, it is all subjective judgement by a DR.

I would also challenge parents, are your children really that much different than when you were a child? I had the same attention and focus issues, still do, but I learned ways to adapt, and the school/pressure wasn't so over the top.

OP, my DD was also diagnosed with inattentive ADD at 11. Big disparity between IQ and working memory/processing speed. She is now 12 and we're tried various meds but have yet to find one that seems helpful to her. None had any negative effects except transient difficulty sleeping-- but none seemed to have much positive impact either. At any rate: no apparent impact on school, where she gets Bs in academic subjects and As in arts subjects, which is what she loves. Like your DD, she tends to do pretty well on projects and in class discussions and on homework, but often does very poorly on tests. (Also like your DD she is very social).

We may try one or two more kinds of medication. On the other hand, if she's happy getting Bs and can get them without meds, we can live with that!

DS1 was diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive in second grade. He initially took Adderall but it really suppressed his appetite. Switched to focalin, which was better. He is now a college freshman who uses the Daytrana (Ritalin) patch when he needs long periods of focus, focalin when he just needs a few hours, and nothing if he doesn't have much work to do. It has been successful for him.

DD started taking meds at age 10 for ADHD. It helped her focus for sure but she had no appetite and lost a a lot of weight. It also made her anxiety much worse ( although her doctors told us this wasn't the case). We took her off the meds in middle school and everything improved except her focus. She now has learned to manage with therapy and takes a short term 4 hr pill on test days or big homework nights. She is now a jr in HS and is doing great with intermittent medication. Good luck to your DD .. The treatment you do now may not be the long term treatment..take it as it comes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids and my DH take meds for ADHD. My experience is that the medication has little effect on working memory or processing speed. It can help with the organizational skills but only if your DD already has those skills. For me and DD, organization and mindfulness are innate. For our family members with ADHD, it definitely isn't. They had to be taught how to be organized and how to study. Once it's 'routine-ized', they're pretty good about doing it all the time but, medication definitely helps when there are distractions pulling their minds from what they've learned (like the social scene at school). If your DD doesn't already have good organizational skills and study habits, I'd find a good tutor/coach for that. If she doesn't already have those skills, medication won't help.

Now, as you know, as kids advance in grade, the material gets harder. This may challenge your DDs ability to regulate her attention to focus on the subject matter. It is especially true if the subject matter isn't of interest to her. In that case, medication will help her regulate her attention.

Thank you - I found this information to be helpful in trying to understand DD disorganization. Given that her school has done away with textbooks, teachers print out so much more 'stuff' that SHE now has to organize and keep track of - it's insane and ridiculous the amount of paper she gets.

I will look into a study tutor because how we've been trying to help her keep organized is not working. It's a constant battle of "clean out your backpack!" Hearing it from someone other than mom or dad would help.

8:16 again. I don't know where you're located but if you're in VA or have some time, you might want to check out some of Ann Dolin's presentations http://anndolin.ectutoring.com/presentations/ . She also wrote a book called Homework Made Simple. You can probably get it at the public library. I know they have it at the FCPS Parent Resource Center library and you could borrow it from the PRC. She's a good speaker and I've found her suggestions/approach practical and useful.

My (extremely talkative and easily distracted) son underwent a neuropsych that confirmed ADHD, at which point we started him on Adderall. The first week was tough -he was barely sleeping and eating very little, but by the end of the second week things have gone sorted themselves out, he is doing great at school and his sleeping and eating have returned to normal.

PP, what kind of testing did you have done, and where? Thanks.

I have two DD's with Inattentive type ADHD, both diagnosed in middle school after extensive testing. Medication has helped them both (and they are very different) focus and stay on task. They are not the type of kids who you would guess have ADHD, i.e. nobody was demanding they be medicated for behavior, but it was apparent that their inattention (1 kid) and disorganization (the other) was interfering with their academic progress. I found very little side effects with the relatively low dosage they take and there was a definite benefit. With a mild inattentive form of ADHD you don't need medication on the weekends, on vacation, during the summer, etc. It has definitely been helpful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We medicated in 3rd grade because my sin was breaking down in school. Focalin Xr. Has made a world of difference.

+1.

And fwiw, there is a mountain of peer reviewed research that disagrees with the "developing minds" poster.

Sorry for the typo, obviously that was supposed to be son.

I liked the original version better.

I was VERY leery about starting my son on adderall - I was afraid it would change his personality, that the quirky, funny, oddball son I loved would be turned into a zombie drone who sat still in class, but was otherwise dead inside.

In reality, with the dose properly adjusted, he has really done well, and my concerns about the effect on his personality have proved to be unfounded.

A couple of things: he will eat less - a LOT less. It IS a form of "speed", after all. For the same reason, he stays up later than I would like. That's the trade-off.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We medicated in 3rd grade because my sin was breaking down in school. Focalin Xr. Has made a world of difference.

+1.

And fwiw, there is a mountain of peer reviewed research that disagrees with the "developing minds" poster.

Sorry for the typo, obviously that was supposed to be son.