help: new adhd diagnosis | ADHD Information

My six-year old son is about to be diagnosed with adhd.  We have had the behavior rating scales done, and will be at the pediatricians shortly.  I have had a chance to see the results of the behavior rating scales and know that a diagnosis of adhd is imminent.  I do believe he had adhd.  He can't stay in his seat for a meal.  He has no fear of anything which has caused him numerous accidents and trips to the emergency room.  He has no impulse control and a short temper which often causes him to hurt other kids.  I want to help my son and do what is best.  I know the doctors and teachers want to put him on meds., but I am deathly afraid of doing so.  I have heard of side effects such as loss of appetite, stunted growth, suicidal tendencies that come from meds that often don't even work.  Any advice from moms who have been there would be greatly appreciated.Hi christophersmom, welcome to the board.  My daughter is 7yo & was diagnosed a little over a month ago with ADHD.  I too, was very afraid of medications & had heard all of the terrible things about meds that you mention.  We did a lot of research on these things & with the help of our daughters pedi psychiatrist we decided to go ahead & medicate.  For her it has been a godsend.  The only side affect we are having (& it seems to be diminishing) is loss of appetite.  Our doctor is monitoring her height & weight monthly.  She is doing extremely well.  I think a lot of the bad side effects come maybe when the person is not on the right med for them (don't quote me on that though).  I read about the studies of stunted growth & the only difference in height were like 1-3 centimeters.  There are also alternative ways to go besides medication.  It's your choice.  Just know that we are all here & more than willing to listen & help you out with any advice/information we have.  Good luck & keep us posted

It is an inidvidual decision how to proceed with treatment options for ADHD. Finding the right med and dosing schedule can be difficult. Although the more common side effects are generally managable, the less usual ones can be a bit scary. Ask the doctor for a cardiac work-up before stimulant meds, if you decide to go that way (the cardiac problems with stims are generally due to pre-existing heart problems). There are many studies on the effectiveness of meds for ADHD and for reducing some of the things that ADHD kids are at risk for (substance abuse, accidents, unwanted pregnancy, STDs, school drop-out or failure).

If you felt like you had time to explore alternatives, omegas and magnesium have some studies supporting thier use and might be a place to start. But with the accidents and anger issues, you may not feel you have the time to explore these options.

My daughter has gone from failing (the 4th grade), anxiety, depression, rages and defiance to school success (As and Bs in the 5th grade), self confidence, fun and happy. This was through a combination of meds, a positive reinforcement behavior plan (see ogram's marble system at the top of the parent's board) and accomodations at school (most of which she no longer needs due to the meds). The only side effect we have seen is weight issues, but these were present prior to meds. She is on concerta and guanfacine.

What ever you decide to do, you will have lots of support here as you go through this journey.

 

Meds have made the world of difference for my son as well.  We have had some sleep issues, and quite a problem with appetite loss, which we have found safe simple solutions to...

Every child is different,and may react differently to meds..even a set of twins have had different results with the same med!!  It is all a hit and miss, and some get lucky like me and tonyas, and their child gets the "right" med on the first try.  Others have to ride the med roller coaster for a time til they hit the right mix/dosage/med.  But all who have finally found the med that helps their child be successful and happy will agree that it is well worth the ride!

Good luck and read through the topics..you will be sure to learn a lot!

welcome to the board and yes medicating is always a hard choice.  I too was terrified in the beginning and wanted nothing to do with it until I met a great number of good people here on this board who have shared success stories.  Yes to all of the side effects they do exist but if you find the right med for your child it is a godsend.  My daughter tried meds last year for the first time and i was a nervous reck and it all turned out fine.  The only dis-appointment is there is no perfect science so you may try one and it would be the one or go through a few.  I wish you the best and remember there are risks with every med even aspirin.   And last when i did give them a try I found wow what a difference and did not know what to do with my child one that sat still.

i too felt the  same  way  when  my son  4 1/2 was diagnosed early this  year 

i was TERRIFIED of what  meds would  poswsible do to  him. but a good friend got me through it  and  so did his  father.they were all suportive  and  basically sat me down and made me look at it this was (i used herbal technics also) didnt see much diffrence...anyways i was told that when  a young child  thinks and acts apon things in there  adhd minds it like  looking through  a spinning kaleidascope

that is so  confusing and thoughts of evrthing that they  cannot control would  surface so  i put devon on  5 ml of dexedrine  and  2.5 in the  afternoons and  his appetite is fine,,of course we still have good and badd days but more good than badd hes still very compulsive but can focus more at daycare unfortuenetly myself and my husband have to  maintain a two income  home to survive so while he is in school he is more calm to a dagree ...the main thing to  think about is how it will help and  make them focus more on there actions ..if you can handle accepting he has adhd then im sure your strong enough to  make the  best decisoon for your son as well. best  of luck to  you and happy holidays  !