ADHD: do you medicate?

Posted: Mon, Dec 19 2011, 4:14 am Post subject: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

OP again.

Ora, I totally get what you're saying and also have been thinking this way-- the problem is where do you draw the line? And if you are definitely OVER the line -- as me and DD absolutely are-- but somehow just haven't tried hard enough? ( I don't mean DD trying, I mean me trying to do everything in the world to "fix" things for her--which I can't do because I also am in the same boat.) For example, I, as the parent, am supposed to be her organizer person-- her time, her homework, her bag... to provide "structure." And after almost 40 years of not being able to provide my own structure...?! Do the (supposed) "ADD success" people (like DH) just try harder to overcome their problems, and I am lazy? Or do they just not have it as bad?
I usually feel like EVERYTHING practical in life is harder for me than everyone else I see... but maybe that is just me being lazy, and it is hard for everyone but they just step up and do it?

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Posted: Mon, Dec 19 2011, 12:09 pm Post subject: Re: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

Gold Member Joined: Sep 12 2011 Posts: 1924

Posted: Mon, Dec 19 2011, 2:20 pm Post subject: Re: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

Posted: Mon, Dec 19 2011, 4:12 pm Post subject:

Stimulant medication can slow down the brain enough to notice the cues. Education must then be done to teach about them. Individual counseling and social skills groups are helpful.

Gold Member Joined: Feb 12 2008 Posts: 2386

Posted: Tue, Dec 20 2011, 4:49 am Post subject: Re: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

Posted: Mon, Mar 19 2012, 11:39 pm Post subject: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

How about Synaptol?
I wanna start giving this to my son. Does anyone have any experience with this natural relief?

Thank u

Beginner Joined: Apr 02 2012 Posts: 1

My first time on here....

I have an ADHD kid who is totally out of control when not on medication. She is 11. Medication has made all the difference. Her grades went from D's and F's up to A's and B's. She is a hyperactive nutcase when not on it and she refuses to take it on non school days (I'm dreading the seder--I think I will have to heavily bribe or threaten her). When not on meds she is defiant to an extreme and she dominates the conversation with all types of inappropriate topics.

The primary feature of her ADHD is extreme impulsivity. In my opinion she has potential for all kinds of risky behaviors because she doesn't give a half a second of thought to any activity. The medication (ritalin) is short-acting and out of her system fairly quickly which makes evenings a real challenge. (She takes concerta which is extended-release ritalin) To me the potential risks, which as I understand it are fairly limited, far outweigh benefits, ie the risky behaviors.

I have to add that she is really an amazing person -- so many of her middos could be beneficial if used for the good. She is tenacious, she takes initiative, she is energetic, and daring. Potentially a real go-getter. I think the chances that she *will* use these middos for positives in the world are non-existent without that medication.

Posted: Mon, Dec 17 2012, 12:47 pm Post subject: Re: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

Gold Member Joined: Aug 28 2012 Posts: 1194

Posted: Mon, Dec 17 2012, 9:02 pm Post subject: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

I just started a computer program with my son, and hoping that will help. It is supposed to help with concentration and memory. I also give him a vitamin called pharmanac that's beside the medications he's on which is intuniv and abilify. He also wears. Proprieceptive vest. He has changed drastically, not sure which thing worked... All these things where after he was on meds already. He's also in a small contained cheder.

Posted: Mon, Dec 17 2012, 9:59 pm Post subject: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

My husband is a special ed teacher. He had a student whose parents refused to medicate for ADHD. It would generally take the child about a week to complete a worksheet. He was a social outcast because he was so impulsive.

One day, the child went through 5 worksheets in one day! My husband called the parents and they admitted that they were "trying out" an ADD medication. For 2 weeks, he saw a different child. He was achieving academically and interacting much better with the other kids in class.

On the first day of the third week, the child was acting out and could not complete even half of one worksheet. My husband again called the parents and they said that they were concerned about side effects and were trying to go with vitamins and supplements instead. The child continued to fail and ended up being transferred to a "more special ed" program.

Personally, I suffered from ADHD as well, but when I was young it did not exist. I, too, was a social outcast and always in trouble. My self esteem was non-existent because I desperately wanted to behave but no matter how hard I tried I could not. I was very smart but did not get good grades because I could not focus. I was just a "bad kid" who teachers dreaded having in their class.

When my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I gladly put him on medication and it has made all the difference. He ended up being shorter than his siblings, but has the self confidence to overcome that. I don't regret the choice for a minute and only wish that I could have had an opportunity to take these medications when I was young.

Please, parents. When you consider giving medication to your children, try to see it from the child's perspective. Imaging trying your hardest every day and never succeeding. Imagine wanting to be part of the crowd, but being ignored or rebuffed constantly because no one wants to play with you. Look at the side effects not only of the medication, but of the ADHD itself and make an honest assessment of which is worse.

As an ADHD sufferer, I will tell you that it is torture.

Posted: Sun, Dec 23 2012, 11:30 pm Post subject: Re: re: ADHD: do you medicate?

Silver Member Joined: Jun 21 2010 Posts: 568