My 6 year old son is very energetic and goes non stop. Lately he has been losing focus in school and has become very defiant. I heard about ADHD and my 15 year old brother was diognosted with disoreder a few years back. As I recall these are tha same symptoms he was having prior to being diognosted. I hate the idea of medicating my son just so he will be calm. Is anyone else familar with this type of situation?? If so how do the medications effect the kids??
2007-01-21 17:40:14 · 8 answers · asked by Just Me 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's very possible that your son is developing ADHD. I know medication (especially on such a young child) may seem extreme, but think of it this way: the medication works to help your child focus, which can help him start enjoying more activities that he has either not been able to participate in or has not been able to continue to pay attention to. There are many different kinds of medications now to help treat ADHD, and not all of them are stimulants. You need to talk to your doctor and preferably, have your doctor refer him to a psychiatrist who can more accurately diagnose and possibly medicate your son. I have seen kids with severe ADHD where they can't even have a 2 minute conversation with someone because they get so distracted and are all over the place. Kids with ADHD can be very irritable and oppositional as well... it affects more than just their focus and causing energy. The severe kid with ADHD did a lot better on medication. In fact he stated that he felt better and was proud that he was able to do so well in school and when interacting with his peers. Good luck with this and hopefully you will be able to get your son some good help.
2007-01-21 17:56:56 · answer #1 · answered by kaliluna 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Medication can do a world of good. I read a study recently (sorry I don't have a link) that showed ADHD kids without medication are at increased risk for drug use, depression, and trouble with the law. However, ADHD kids with medication have no greater risk than other kids. They compared the two sets of kids when they were young adults. Besides, what is worse for the child - struggling, failure & low self-esteem as a student - or medication? ADHD is a real condition. If your child had a more visible illness you wouldn't even think of not treating it. If your son's symptoms are affecting his schooling and/or his home life, then why wouldn't you pursue the appropriate medical/therapy to help him?
Anyway, ADHD is very genetic - my brother (nondiagnosed) has it, and so does my son. I won't get into the details, but my brother has had a difficult life. My son, whose ADHD is even worse, is on track and happy (he's 16). So I'm a believer in appropriate medication. He's off ADHD medication now, but we didn't like the Ritilin types. Straterra (sp?) was MUCH better because he didn't go "up & down" and it was just one pill a day in the morning. My son was also extremely defiant & had to have a mood medication but defiance can also just be part of ADHD & the frustration your son is experiencing now. Must be tough to find it so difficult to sit still & have so much energy.
Also it might be good to know that kids with ADHD have a higher risk of being dyslexic. There are programs to help this and your son is at the key age to start. It is worth a check if he seems to struggle with reading.
In my opinion the two most important things are - you advocating for your child & keeping encouraging your son that he can do it. In spite of my son's huge challenges he has a good self esteem and he has a good heart. Although raising a child who happens to have ADHD isn't a walk in the park... it sure is worth it!
2007-01-22 02:09:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do believe he does have ADHD because my six year old has the exact symptons and has been officially diagonsed with it. I also dont belive in doping up a child, but there are different medications that will not turn your child into a "zombie" and belive it or not, my child is no longer one of the worst kids in school, still has an outgoing personality, and is doing better in his class now. He still has his defiant moments, but bear in mind, HE IS SIX YEARS OLD!
Thats what kids do! Try the medication, the only regret is I didnt do it any sooner. Just be careful with how much you give him and where you store the meds
2007-01-22 06:09:47 · answer #3 · answered by NEXUS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with these answers. My youngest daughter, even though she now is 34, is ADHD and has dyslexia as well. When she takes her medication she does pretty good, but when she doesn't, she doesn't do good. She is on Straterra, and she says it has really helped her to be able to think. My grandson is also on a medication, and he is 16 now; without the medication,he wasn't able to concentrate on his studies; or even settle down at home. My brother has him, (has since birth) and they put him on medication in grade school, and the difference was a BLESSING for them. But think about your son, it is a blessing for him too, because he can have help to be able to feel calm. You are doing him a favor, as you will be able to have a better relationship with him, and he will have better ones in school with the teachers and other students. It is sometimes difficult to get the RIGHT medication, and the RIGHT dose! But don't get discouraged, working closely with your doctor will help that to get resolved.
2007-01-22 02:25:31 · answer #4 · answered by Ikeg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my 12 year old daughter who is extremely bright and craetive was diagnosed with adhd about a year ago. we saw alot of acting out behaviors at home...buts when the teacher sat school voiced concersn...we took her for evals. she struggeled so much with schoolwork...especially math. everynite was like pulling teeth..tears and ranting and raving.well...now she is on meds...and is a different kid! she is getting straight As and will be the first to tell you that its because she can "focus" better( her own words)she seems much happier and more calm.
good luck!
2007-01-22 04:22:21 · answer #5 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should really consider diet change and vitamins before commiting to meds. Omega-3 supplements such as fish oil are a good starting point for supplements
2007-01-22 02:49:29 · answer #6 · answered by smahang_1999 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is affecting your sons schoolwork, don't hesitate to see your doctor and discuss options.
2007-01-22 01:43:21 · answer #7 · answered by spiritualjourneyseeker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.starchild.co.za/Info.html
2007-01-22 01:51:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋