Anonymous
10/07/2019 12:35
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anecdotes are not science but I can tell you that meds have had a tremendous positive impact for me. I started with them early in elementary and take them still to noticeable effect. I graduated from a top law school, am a partner at an Am Law 100 firm and of above average height. Don’t let the anti-med folks scare you.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 12:32
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
We should never has waited as long as we did to medicate. It is by far my biggest parenting regret with my hS senior. Not because of grades. There isn’t a disaster on his transcript. But because he was so clearly unhappy and struggling. He wanted to do things like other kids so badly and just couldn’t. But, I didn’t want to pull the trigger. A couple months after he started, he asked me why we had waited so long when his life had been so hard before. It broke my heart. And the answer is because I was scared. But looking at the difference and what we put him through by not acting. Forget grades. Screen are still a struggle. He’s happier, more balanced, more confident, less angry and less anxious. It's hands down the one parenting decision I know I blew.
OP— forget the Ped and do it right. Get an adolescent psychiatrist and work with them to get a valid diagnosis and Medicare if appropriate. ADHD meds are tricky. Some work for your kid, some don’t. And as a kid grows or hits puberty, what they need can change. But please do something. I’ve now learned that unmediated ADHD kids are at very high risk for anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse. And I see why.
OP— forget the Ped and do it right. Get an adolescent psychiatrist and work with them to get a valid diagnosis and Medicare if appropriate. ADHD meds are tricky. Some work for your kid, some don’t. And as a kid grows or hits puberty, what they need can change. But please do something. I’ve now learned that unmediated ADHD kids are at very high risk for anxiety, depression, suicide, substance abuse. And I see why.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 12:20
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Studies show that children and adults with untreated ADHD have a significantly higher rate of obesity. Similarly, children with ADHD treated with stimulants likewise have a lower BMI as children and a rebound higher adult BMI.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 12:07
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
NP here. For my nephew who was on it, he would eat a huge breakfast, take his meds, pretty much skip lunch and not eat anything all day at school and then by 6pm when the meds wore off my sister would make him a huge dinner. He also didn't take it on the weekends. They were concerned about the growth, and he ended up being ok.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 12:00
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
This - they can eat constantly for 4 hours after medication wears off and get plenty of calories - it's just a matter of adjusting the family schedule to accommodate the child's need to eat.
That's not a great way to set up a teen for healthy eating throughout their adult life.
1 - you make it healthy
2 - not treating ADHD greatly increases the chances that the kids will have stuggles with addiction because they end up self medicating. Not treating ADHD greatly increases the chance of suicide.
Parents' choices have consequences. The 'no meds' camp is incredibly short sighted because they drastically increase the risks their children face.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 11:58
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
This - they can eat constantly for 4 hours after medication wears off and get plenty of calories - it's just a matter of adjusting the family schedule to accommodate the child's need to eat.
That's not a great way to set up a teen for healthy eating throughout their adult life.
To eat when they are hungry? It is exactly what we should all be doing. My ds isn't hungry for lunch. He eats a big breakfast and a meal sized snack after school. We eat a late dinner. PP made it sound like binge eating - it doesn't look like that for our family. We also make sure he is eating a full rainbow of healthy foods and getting enough calories. Instead of a piece of fruit or some crackers after school, he eats a full meal.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 11:17
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
This - they can eat constantly for 4 hours after medication wears off and get plenty of calories - it's just a matter of adjusting the family schedule to accommodate the child's need to eat.
That's not a great way to set up a teen for healthy eating throughout their adult life.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 10:47
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
This - they can eat constantly for 4 hours after medication wears off and get plenty of calories - it's just a matter of adjusting the family schedule to accommodate the child's need to eat.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 10:43
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
It can suppress appetite. My kid was always always at 95-100% on the growth curve since he was 5 had this side effect. My other kid who runs at 50% on the growth curve did not have this side effect. You just have to be sure they are eating enough when the medication wears off or before they take it for the day.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 10:41
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would get a new pediatrician who has a focus on kids with ADHD.
We moved and switched to a ped who has a focus on ADHD and it has been a lifesaver because before it took forever to get the right med combination when the aDHD meds were prescribed by a neurologist who was hard to get in to.
ADHD seems to affect my kids more than just being isolated so the switch to a ped who gets that has been phenomenal.
We started trying meds at 12 and it took forever to sort out which med combination, which dosage, etc. New ped had it all under control within a couple of months at 14 1/2.
We have ds eat a full big breakfast before he takes med in AM and then have a meal sized snack after school before taking second med for homework. At night he sometimes gets up to eat in the middle of the night. Before we were pushing so much he lost weight so if I had to do it over again I would have been on top of the weight and weight loss.
My advice is to not accept "good enough" with the meds. the improvement was unmistakable so we let side effects and just being better be enough, but it wasn't. Keep trying meds and doses. My friend has the same regret - accepting good enough just because it was better.
GL
I thought a psychiatrist had to prescribe the medicine. Are there also pediatricians who prescribe ADHD meds?
Yes, pediatricians can prescribe the medication. You need one who has that as their focus or special interest. Our old pediatrician was not comfortable prescribing ADHD meds.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 10:06
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
I think there is a lot of hysterical over-reaction on this thread around using meds. However, having said that, you shouldn't take any medication with out being sure it's appropriate. (Just like you don't rush to take antibiotics.)
We did a full evaluation with a group practice (not regular pediatrician) that offered psychological and psychiatric services for children. It involves a number of tests and questionnaires filled out by child, parent, and teachers. Only once we received that diagnosis did we proceed. We did a combination of therapy and medication for a while. The therapy helped tremendously we getting some important techniques. We also had to do a fair amount of adjusting of medication--both type and dosage.
We are now at a great place, but it does take time and money.
We did a full evaluation with a group practice (not regular pediatrician) that offered psychological and psychiatric services for children. It involves a number of tests and questionnaires filled out by child, parent, and teachers. Only once we received that diagnosis did we proceed. We did a combination of therapy and medication for a while. The therapy helped tremendously we getting some important techniques. We also had to do a fair amount of adjusting of medication--both type and dosage.
We are now at a great place, but it does take time and money.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 10:06
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: can be a godsend for aneurotypical children. There is nothing like seeing an 8yo child go from pre-suicidal to a straight-A happy, funny 12 yo with friends and deep interests with the help of one pill a day. It was the best and hardest decision we've ever made for our child.
^^^^ this right here.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 09:56
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My DS started late because he was always borderline in academic impact, self-regulated through very hard athletics (exhausted himself out of impulsive behavior, essentially), and we were reluctant to medicate. So far my only regret is waiting as long as we did. However, one minor advantage was that he was over 6' when we started so I was not as worried about impact on growth.
Wait, there's an impact on growth??? I have 13 year old and we are considering medicine for ADHD. I had not idea it would impact his growth.
The impact comes from the drug's well-documented appetite supression - if the child is eating less calories, their growth is impacted. That's why you go in regularly for med checks to make sure your child is still on the growth curve that they had when they started taking the medication. If they are falling off, then a different intervention is necessary. These are not drugs that are fix it and forget it - they need regular monitoring for both the child's physical well-being and mental health. That said, they can be a godsend for aneurotypical children. There is nothing like seeing an 8yo child go from pre-suicidal to a straight-A happy, funny 12 yo with friends and deep interests with the help of one pill a day. It was the best and hardest decision we've ever made for our child.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 09:41
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:
I thought a psychiatrist had to prescribe the medicine. Are there also pediatricians who prescribe ADHD meds?
Some regular pediatricians will do it, but we get ours through a developmental pediatrician.
OP, is your ped skeptical of the dx, or of using medication to address the symptoms, and if so, what is the reason. I absolutely would seek a second opinion on this. If medication is appropriate, but you wait too long, he won't have time to recover for college applications. Maybe even more importantly, he'll develop poor self esteem and internalize the idea that he's stupid, that he can't succeed, stop trying because he thinks it's hopeless, etc. If he has ADHD, he's probably used to now to being told (either outright or subtly) that he can't do certain things as well as his peers. Research facts regarding the medication; don't let unfounded fears prevent you from helping your kid (if his dx and symptoms warrant medication, which is something none of us know). Don't let him suffer and try to make him power through a medical condition when there is a way to help. Also keep in mind that ADHD often travels with something else (my son also has dyslexia and dysgraphia) so it may be worth a full workup if you suspect other issues might be causing the problems. Also, remember that a lot of advice (nutrition, exercise, executive functioning skills, limit screen type) is helpful regardless whether your kid is on medication and regardless if he has ADHD, so certainly try those things too. Good luck.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 09:33
Subject: Considering to Medicate 15-YO DS for ADHD
Anonymous wrote:I would get a new pediatrician who has a focus on kids with ADHD.
We moved and switched to a ped who has a focus on ADHD and it has been a lifesaver because before it took forever to get the right med combination when the aDHD meds were prescribed by a neurologist who was hard to get in to.
ADHD seems to affect my kids more than just being isolated so the switch to a ped who gets that has been phenomenal.
We started trying meds at 12 and it took forever to sort out which med combination, which dosage, etc. New ped had it all under control within a couple of months at 14 1/2.
We have ds eat a full big breakfast before he takes med in AM and then have a meal sized snack after school before taking second med for homework. At night he sometimes gets up to eat in the middle of the night. Before we were pushing so much he lost weight so if I had to do it over again I would have been on top of the weight and weight loss.
My advice is to not accept "good enough" with the meds. the improvement was unmistakable so we let side effects and just being better be enough, but it wasn't. Keep trying meds and doses. My friend has the same regret - accepting good enough just because it was better.
GL
I thought a psychiatrist had to prescribe the medicine. Are there also pediatricians who prescribe ADHD meds?