When a child exhibits the symptoms of ADHD, one of the first reactions is to put that child on ADHD drugs. These can be extremely expensive, and are not always the best option for your child. Medication can help reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity in ADHD children, however, these benefits often come with a whole host of drawbacks. ADHD drugs are not the only treatment options for kids with ADHD. So, while they can produce great results, and are often useful many parents are just not sure if their child needs them or not.
The fact is that ADHD drugs affect every child differently, and the severity of their ADHD will be a contributing factor to whether or not they need medication to help control it. One of the biggest problems parents face is that of, “If I put my child on ADHD drugs, when can I take them off?” As the drugs do not cure the disorder, rather just treat the symptoms, putting your child on ADHD medication could be a lifetime sentence.
Research all of your options before prescribing.
So, to decide if your child needs ADHD drugs, one of the best things you can do is get a sample from your doctor, and then ask yourself the following questions:
Is the medication having a positive impact on your child’s mood and/or behavior? For some people ADHD medication is going to make drastic improvements in their ability to concentrate and focus, for others, it is only slight improvement. If you do not feel it is making a significant difference, it is not worth the expense, and crutch of being on a medication. Other options might be a better option.
Do you think the dosage or medication is working? Does your child think the dosage or medication is working? While you want to be monitored by a doctor, and have your child’s progress carefully monitored in relation to dosage, you have to realize that how you feel makes a difference. Is your child happy with the medication? Are you? If they aren’t, or you aren’t, it will be a constant battle over medication.
Is your child experiencing any side effects? Some ADHD medication comes with side effects, and often these are worse than the inattentiveness. For example, they may get headaches, stomachaches, fatigue or sleeplessness, dry mouth, lack of appetite, etc. If your child exhibits side effects, discuss this with your doctor, and find out the likelihood that they will be lasting. Then ask yourself and your child if the lasting side effects are worth the gains.
Lastly, when determining if your child needs ADHD drugs, ask yourself if you have tried other treatment options, and if they were successful. If you have tried other options, and they are not working, you may find that drugs are your only option left. However, teaching your child to manage ADHD so that they do not have to use medication their whole life, can be far more useful. Consider behavioral coaches, therapists, psychologists, or education specialists to find alternative methods for handing ADHD.
This article is not meant to replace the advice of your family’s medical professional.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to
Here in the UK the drugs were being given out way too fast by doctors, there has now been a lot of research and alternative methods are being found all the time, ADHD drugs should always be a last resort!