How do you feel about medicating children with ADD/ADHD disorders?

Question

How do you feel about medicating children with ADD/ADHD disorders?

Answer 1

Also know that ADD/ADHD is genetic. I have adult ADD. I really don't need medicines anymore. My kids take different medicines for their ADHD. My oldest looks like she'll grow out of it. My youngest, we're still looking for the "right" medication. I do agree that doctors and parents want to diagnose ADHD right away. A complete check-up, even several people filling out papers (both parents, teachers, etc, who ever comes into contact with the child on a daily basis) will be asked to fill out a questionaire. I think some kids truly need ADHD medication. And I think most don't.

LL

Answer 2

Yes, medication should be given when needed.  Ritilan saved my son's life.  It helped him to focus, to calm down, and to learn.  He went on Ritalin in the fifth grade and remained on it through his sophomore year in college.  He made honor role every year and also was dyslexic - so this was phenomenal.  Ritalin is not for everyone nor is Concerta or Adderol -- you have to get the right dosage (usually slow release is the best because it will then last the whole school day) - kids react differently to all medications.  Go to a trained pediatric neurologist and they should be able to help you in the area of medications.   Good luck.

Answer 3

i think it's too hard to tell with children under the age of 10 whether they have ADD/ADHD or if they're just hyperactive because they're young. so i'd say if the child is over 10, then it's fine, but if they're under 10, then it shouldn't be done because no one wants their child to be medicated unneccessarily.

Answer 4

If there is a need for medication, then it is needed, however a good paediatrician will monitor the child development and changes in behaviour, on a regular basis.

I am not keen of giving children medication, but Ritalin and behavioural modification certainly helped out daughter.

We would only give her the Ritalin during school term, never through school holidays and weekends. As I was worried about the side affects causing her a lack of appetite, and she was tiny enough already.

Her paediatrician said that the prescribed dose should work according to hight and weight, any above the recommended dose usually meant the child had something else going on, and the medication would not work. Thankfully our daughter did well on the recommended dose.

Answer 5

Medication should always be used as a last resort. Same as education needs to happen in the least restrictive environment. Modifications and accommodations should be tried first and fail before any meds are given. Read the warning label on some of these drugs, it will scare you.

Answer 6

I think before medicating parents should look into Sensory Processing Disorder first to rule out any sensory related issues. Then I am suportive of Meds.

Answer 7

I like the medication only when it actually helps the child.  My son has ADHD, and when he was in trial on meds, Concerta made him so drowsy and he looked like he was on cloud 9.  So be very careful when your child is on a medication trial, cause this is the time when you know whether or not your child will benefit from it.  Good Luck, I know how hard it is to have your child on a trial of medications.

Answer 8

Why not? If they actually have a severe disorder and it helps them be normal and succeed, I don't see a problem with it. The problem is when you are medicating a normal child because you don't want to deal with them being too energetic.

Answer 9

About ADD: I am currently on Adderall, and I think that it is good, but I'd perfer a way that I'd be more myself. Addreall makes me more of a goody-goddy in school and friends, BUT IT HELPS ME ORGANIZE MY BRAIN! Without Adderall, I'd be a dumb kid who failed evey test that a teacher gives, instead of the goddy-goddy girl who actually knows what's going on around her! I'd never admit it to my mother, but Adderall changed my life.

Answer 10

it helps.

Answer 11

It is way too overdiagnosed. I was even diagnosed with it when I was a child and I had some mental problems. I can assure you that I do not have it and I never did.

My doctor didn't have any answer for my problems of misbehavior so, she decided to throw something...anything out there. It was a lot easier for everyone involved, the doctor, my parents, myself, just to say that I had a disorder.

When I became an adult and decided to seek out real help for my problems, I quickly realized that I had no disorder. It was just a mask to hide behind for all those years.

I do think that there are true cases of ADD/ADHD but, I think they are much rarer then we are led to believe. In most situations, I think it is a hurt child crying out for help. Instead of admitting that there is something mentally wrong, it is easier to just slap a label on them.

As far as medicating goes, it should never be done in small children. I prefer therapy. If the child still has the same problems as they grow older then medication should be considered.

I hope my opinion helped some and good luck!