I agree with Glen's recommendations. Get a good diagnosis from a child psychiatrist that deals with ADHD and the posible comorbid conditions. You need someone you can trust and work with through this journey.
We did not seek help until my daughter was failing school (4th grade), was having rages, had become depressed and anxious so there was alot to sort out. She now has a behavior plan (see ogram's marble system at the top of the parents forum), an IEP at school and is on effective meds. The anxiety and depression are gone, she is getting As and Bs at school. the child parent relationship is back to wonderful and she is happy and fun again.
My son was Dx'd with ADHD in mid September/Early October. He has shown that he has it, and it gets pretty bad at times. Anyhow. This past Wednesday was a true calling for help. We had gone to a psychologist - who recommeded that he take prozac for the emotional problems - but she couldn't prescribe it. So, we are going to his Pedi with the recommendation, and hopefully he'll Rx it. However, I'm leaning more towards ADHD medicine...since that is what shows the most!
Any tips as to what is good? He's only 5.5 years old. I don't want him being a "zombie."
Thanks in advance!
Firstly welcome! Finding people who've been through it is a great help and can be a way to help enforce what you already know.
Secondly - the whole idea of "zombie" kids on meds is way overblown. Usually the lethargy and lack of energy is either from misdiagnosed kids getting medicated or ADHD kids getting too much or too little meds or even inappropriate meds from unskilled doctors.
Try to switch from a psychologist to a pediatric psychiatrist who deals with ADHD at least for the initial diagnosis and prescription. They know this disorder and can determine if meds are needed and which meds will work best. They can also deal with the additional needs that seem to be there.
5 1/2 years is a very good time to get a grasp on the ADHD if that's what it actually is. The earlier it's regulated the better chance your child has of being unharmed by the disorientation and antisocial effects of ADHD.
Just find someone you trust and who knows what to do. Make sure also that you get a regular appointment schedule after being given meds as you need to carefully watch your child for any possible side effects such as weight loss, change of emotions, etc. Being diligent avoids all the scary things you may have heard.