How would a 5 year get diagnosed with ADD?

Question

After going to the doctor twice, with his mother, my step son was put on Ritalin. The doctor was reluctant initially but gave in at the second visit. There was no testing done to our knowledge or other alternitive tried. However, he does have some difficulty learning in kindergarden. If anyone can give me facts on the pros or cons i would appriciate it. BTW, after taking the meds he does not eat as much and is a very different child now. Sometime he paces and acts in a nervous mannor. He behaves very well at our house. When he is here on the weekends his dad refuses to give him the medicine. Thank you in advance for your imput.

Answer 1

you need to get your son to a new doctor right away - with all parents present and in agreement on how to handle.  He should not be taking these meds like he is - he is completely imbalanced chemically taking it the way he is.   Five years old is also very young to be diagnosed with ADD  - most good doctors will not give this diagnosis until third grade.  I would focus more on how much sleep does he get, his diet - this can very much effect his behavior, and also anxiety and stress.  how long has this been going  on  - was your divorce tough - something that could and can still be bothering him?  kids show stress in "ADD" type ways , often we medicate rather than getting to the root of the problem...sounds like he is really angry at his mother.

Answer 2

I too have a 5 yr old daughter w/adhd. She too did not have testing done. It was not necessary. Letters from her teachers as well as my family being in tears everyday from the lack of self control, and bizzarre non stop behavior is all they needed to see.It was destroying our home life as well asdisrupting her classes. Ritalin is known for decreasing appetites, and is RARELY prescribed these days. My daughter is on Concerta. One pill in the morning and it lasts 12 hrs. All meds for this will affect  appetite,but the affect is much lower w/concerta.

As far as not taking meds on the weekends..I have been teaching for 29 yrs as well as being a mom,Many times parents of kids in my class say they don't give the kids meds on the weekend to give them a "rest"!!! The meds don't work if they can't build up in the blood stream. By skipping days, that will never happen. THis is a tough thing to deal with. Good Luck,,,and change your chld'smeds.

Answer 3

I'm with Dad. I HATE that stuff. It's just what we need if we want to turn our kids into zombies.

5 is WAY too young to have a kid on ritalin, and it sounds like they don't have the dosage regulated yet, also. I'd get him back to the doctor and tell them the symptoms.

Ritalin is speed. You know, the street drug. Most of the stuff you find on the street is stolen from medicine cabinets or taken from kids that genuinely need it, so their parents and their friends can get high.

It acts the complete opposite on people with ADD and ADHD than it does on everybody else, so they prescribe it to children. Only problem is, the earlier you start a kid on this stuff, the higher their tolerance for it gets, and by the time they hit high school, the dosage is so high, that if somebody stole one of their pills, they'd have enough to get half the school high.

It suppresses appetite. So if you keep this kid on it every day, he'll be malnourished and have a weight problem by the time he's an adult. Weekends are for eating. He needs to get his weight back up on the weekends, or he'll be passing out in school.

But like I said, 5 is way to young an age to put a kid on that stuff. Mine was in third grade, and I still thought it was too young. Sounds to me like the other parents and the teacher just want another zombie kid that's easy to manage. Kids are active at 5, and that's just the way it is. If they can't handle an active 5 year old, then they should step out of the way, and let somebody who CAN handle the kid raise and teach him.

Answer 4

Part 2... Could you speak with the MD and discuss how he diagnosed him? If you know for a fact that he didn't diagnose him with proper tools for diagnosis (to my knowledge, most MD's do this with information from parents and school, because the symptoms need to be present in more than one setting).

This needs to be addressed with the school & a good pediatrician whether he has ADHD or not. Request that the school do further testing. Get some kind of individualized plan to address his needs and ways to help him. If he is clearly having problems, I would strongly discourage letting the school blow it off, telling you "he'll grow out of it", etc.

-Pros and cons of the drugs? Well, if he indeed has ADD, the drugs can be helpful for many kids. However, like any drug, they do have side effects. They can be pretty bothersome for some kids. They should be discussed with the MD & together it can be decided whether they are "acceptable" or not.

-By the way, Ritalin and Concerta are the exact SAME drug (Methylphenidate ). Ritalin is a very old drug that has been used for decades, & we know a lot about it. It is not necessarily a "bad" drug or a "good" one. When drugs are used for ADHD, a "bad" one or "good" one is whichever one works or doesn't work for your individual kid. Concerta is the time-released version of the same drug, that's the only difference (so it has the advantage of its effect spread out over the day). Sometimes finding the right drug can be a bit of trial-and-error process to get the best fit.

-I don't think that using ADHD meds is going to make a kid more likely to abuse drugs later. What DOES often lead people to abuse drugs, though, is an inability to cope with life's problems. Kids with ADHD may very well have more problems to deal with, so it is important to give them lots of love and attention and teach them healthy ways to deal with problems of all kinds, including their ADHD issues.

-By the way, when searching for ADHD information on the web, I would just advise to be careful because some webpages are sponsored by the ADHD drug manufacturers, and they don't always make it apparent. I don't consider them reliable because they obviously have a special interest in selling their particular drug. There are also some pretty quacky sites claiming to work wonders as well.

Stick with your well-known standards with evidence-based information: WebMD, American Academy of Pediatrics, other medical associations, EMedicine, etc.

-Not all kids with ADD/ADHD misbehave per se. They can have the other symptoms and not really be a behavior problem. Also, kids usually have much more demanded of them at school than at home, or when playing around on the weekends, etc. Less stress, much less demand to be on task for hours at a time (which they can't do of course). My three boys must be on task almost every minute during their school day, there is very little down time except recess. It would be an excellent idea to observe or volunteer in the classroom to get a feel for what is going on there & for what he does each day.

-His Dad may feel bad for putting him on the drug. It can be an agonizing decision for parents to take the leap and do it, even if they think it may help them. Not many people want to put their kids on meds. It may make him feel a little better to give him a break on the weekends and holidays if it works ok that way for everyone. You may want to consult the MD on that too, since some drugs work better if given continuously, and some it doesn't matter. Same for the kids themselves, so do ok going on/off/on, some don't.

-Best wishes to you & your family!

Answer 5

Ritalin is a very bad drug for any kid to be on. I've heard that many kids that were on Ritalin grow up to be crackheads! The kid is probably just hyper and letting him watch lots of TV and play lots of video games isn't going to help if that's what he's doing. He needs to play outside and get rid of all that energy! My brother is supposedly ADHD, but he's the type who would rather watch TV or play video games. There was actually a study done saying that there is a connection between ADHD/ADD and TV. Because TV supposedly with its high-speed flashing pictures desensitizes your kid, and slow learning is hard for him. And I don't truly understand how it's hard for him to learn at kindergarten, all you learn is shapes, numbers, the alphabet, and colors. If he's having a hard time learning those, then he's in serious trouble, especially when he gets older.

Answer 6

There are 6 or 7 subtypes to this disorder, what subtype are you dealing with?  Do you even know?  I do think testing is critical and it can cost a lot of money.

Each child is so different.  So, without knowing what behaviors prompted the visit it makes my suggestions very generalized - so bear with me.  I suggest that you visit the Amen Clinic's website.  It is very informative.  Ask the mother how long she's been concerned with the behavior or is she just "bothered" with something that has been short term (most parents will have suspected for YEARS before they even get to the point of evaluating)

I do know that there is a "diet" called the Feingold diet that has helped a lot of families.  Basically, you don't feed your kids processed foods - you actually make things from scratch and stay away from simple carbs and such. NO fruit snacks, NO macaroni & cheese unless homemade, No brightly dyed "kid yogurt".  Get organic as much as you can.  No DYES.

This is just instinct, but I would think that keeping your lives as simple as possible would help too.  Do not overly involve or schedule yourselves with extracurricular activities.  Play at the park WAY MORE. Remember when we were little? Let them play with the dirt - get back to basics.  Limit TV to 2 hours per day.  Finger paint, play doh, water play.

Answer 7

Some five year olds have trouble learning - it's not ADD or ADHD, it's "trouble learning".  Some people are too quick to slap a new label on an old problem.

First, and easiest, thing you can do is cut out anything with processed sugar (sugar, maltose, dextrose - anything "ose" -, corn syrup solids).  Some kids have a bad reaction to it.  (We didn't evolve to metabolize corn syrup solids.)  If that works, that's all you need to do.  (I have a great nephew who used to bounce off the walls if he ingested sugar.  Without it he's a lot calmer.)

Answer 8

My daughter has adhd.  She was taken to a Psychologist. She takes concerta and ritalin daily.  Children who take these meds and act more hyper most likely do not have adhd.  Without these meds my daughter can not do school work or concentrate  and she is constantly into trouble.  She is very very hyperactive.  The meds do make her not want to eat so the doctor perscribed her remron at night to help sleep and because it will make you hungry. She eats fantastic now.  The docs where I live generally do not give out these meds without sending them for testing.  Actually the family doctor wont even write a script for her if the psyicatrist is out.   Also my daughter is 9.  They did not even try ritalin until a year ago.  tell dad to get him tested and make sure he is on the best meds for him as possiable.  Good luck!

Answer 9

my daughter age 5 now.Then 4 saw a physiologist for a year then a specialist and then diagnosed her with ADHD and only now is on drugs it took about a year  two get there and i didn't want to put her on drugs but if i didn't school would threw her out.I now only see the principal maybe once a term, instead of all the time and for smaller problems.We all still struggle with her and the school there is no way i could have a job not till she older because it takes time to show them and to keep things peace full helps and in routine.Remember there not dumb just think differently to us

Answer 10

All I can do is tell you my story.   This is going to be a long answer -sorry

I have known pretty much since birth that my oldest had ADHD.  His father was against medicating him, so I held off on getting him diagnosed.  At every parent/teacher interview the school would bring it up.  But my ex would flat out refuse.  When my child was in the 2nd grade and still couldn't read I said enough is enough and made an appointment with my GP.  He then referred us to a pediatrician who after one visit and a questionaire gave us a prescription.  According to her he has 100% of the symptoms of ADHD.   Since being on the medication my son has learned to read because he was able to concentrate long enough.  His grades have gone up and my ex no longer puts up a fight.  We do have an agreement that he only has to take his meds on school days which works well.  (Children can build up a tolerance to these medications).  

These medications do cause a lack of appitite, but we solve this problem by keep those instant breakfast shakes in the house.  This he thinks that he is getting a treat, but he is actually getting a "meal".  

I don't not recommend Ritalin (I am actually surprised that the doctor gave him that)  It is not as effective as the all day pills like Concerta.  

If you are unsure if your step son really does have ADHD you could ask the school to do something called a "psycho-ed" assement.  basicly what it is is an assement that figures out how your child learns and what not.  It will also back up the diagnoses of ADHD.  Kids with ADHD generally have some kind of learning disability as well.  So that part is not uncommon.

Lastly if the child is more calm at your house then his ADHD could very well be triggered by some kind of food allergy (also very common).  Lots of child have a reaction to red dyes in food.  A high protien diet with lots of natural foods works really well with these kids.

There are tons of great books out there on the subject.  I suggest having a look at a few.  I have found that the best ones are ones that are writting by doctors.

GOOD LUCK.

Answer 11

OH Boy!!  First off let me say I am very surprised that a doctor would just 'give in' and give meds without testing first.  Especially since ADD is still so very over-diagnosed.  Second, I don't think it is a good idea that he gets the meds at his mom's house and not at yours.  That is starting something you really don't want to get into.....daddy doesn't make me, I don't have to at daddy's house...just a reason to go to court!!  If the dad has joint custody, he can request that tests be done, or he can take him to another doctor.  You may need to get the judge involved though.   I would suggest that you look up ADD on-line like a Wikepedia or WebMD, or something to get all the facts you need to approach this.  You can also get the information on the medications from there.

Good Luck

Momma P

p.s. I hope you do something fast, get this little one help!!

Answer 12

42ITUS™ has great points, bravo to you! And bravo to your hubby for not wanting to just give him a pill and call it a day.

For the life of me I cant understand why nobody thinks about a child's diet and enviromental factors when they are hyper, fidgety, not focusing etc etc. Im not saying add or adhd doesnt exist, but there are way more kids being put on pills for what seems like a sugared up, tv watching, video playing, no mental or cardio activity kid.

Answer 13

I am an RN, former teacher, and mom of an ADHD kid. This will be long, but I will try to answer each part of your question in two posts (I think I'm crashing Yahoo with my too long answer :):

"How would a 5 year get diagnosed with ADD?"

-The year 2000 Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) provides criteria for diagnosing ADHD. DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD

I. Either A or B:

A.Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

Often has trouble organizing activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).

Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

Is often easily distracted.

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.

Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).

Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.

Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".

Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.

Often has trouble waiting one's turn.

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.