Don’t know what to do??? | ADHD Information

I have a 9 yr old son, he was never diagnosed with ADHD but we are 99% certain he has it. I wanted to get him to get diagnosed  just so I know for sure, but if diagnosed my husband is against the medications so there for that's why I never went ahead with it. I have mixed feelings about the meds, but if he is not going on meds then I feel like I need to, to deal with him . I love him no doubt but my patients have run short and summer time doesn't help. I also have a 3yr old daughter and they have a love hate relationship, because he's always aggravating her and she knows this. He acts totally silly all the time, he has these ticks he does that last forever.  He doesn't listen, he laughs when he is in trouble. He is a good kid beneath it all, but with his hyper behavior all the time it doesn't show often? I'm burnt out and I don't know what to do anymore? Get the diagnosis anyway. Medication is no the only answer. there are lots of behavior modifications and therapies that can help. Many, many people start with diet and/or supplements and behavior therapies first, then add meds later if necessary to supplement therapy.Diane V39303.4377546296

Strong suggestion to get a good diagnostic. Lots of issue can mimic ADHD and these need to ruled out as much as possible.  After that the decision to medicate is, in my opinion, ultimately a parental one. Be aware that carefully targeted and designed behavior management can be quite successful. You will need to find someone who has the training, experience, and reputation of being successful with these kids. Not everybody who advertises is. Check with the school counselors. They very often know who has had results. There are a number of successful management methods offered. Remember ADHD kids are different and the techniques need to be designed for them. One suggestion, are the interventions based on the scientific literature or on the therapist pet ideas.  I strongly suggest science based. The works of Russell Barkley is a good place to start. If the therapies are not at least to some degree based on his work, I would be somewhat suspicious. ADHD behaviors can be managed-not cured. Look on the CHADD site and the help4adhd site.  If you need more read some of the posts of this forum as there are some very helpful people giving good information. If more is needed you can email me and I will help what I can.

Raising an ADHD child is a very interesting journey....not a destination.

Good luck. Dizfriz

Dizfriz- I love your name and your motivational qoute "Raising an ADHD child is a very interesting journey....not a destination." isnt that the truth!!!! I LOVE IT!!

My school gave me a list of great doctors, the speical education teacher gave me a great list..they are the ones that work all day with childrne with special needs and have a great list of professionals :-)

Thank you for all your replies.....I go through a child psychiatrist not  a child neurologist? I am from New York if anyone knows of any there. Thanks again!

A child psychiatrist will go straight for the meds, and the evaluation process will be minimal. When I went, the doctor thought I was there to get meds, LOL. Perhaps a behavioral pediatrician or neuropsychologist would be more suitable in your case.

Try magnesium for the hyperness and homepathy for the silliness. See the alternatives board.

notellin is right that a neuropsychologist will do a full neuropsych evaluation. Lots of doctors and people will give you their advice and opinion, but the decisions how to proceed are all yours. Get as much information as you can on all sides and listen to all of it, then make the best choice for your child and your family. No one solution is right for everyone....................good luck................I agree it is better to know that is what he has or doesnt and then you can ask your doctor what they recommend with out meds, have your husband come along so he can hear what you need to be doing. I would also take him to see a child psych or a behavior psych.I agree, get a diagnosis anyway. Meds are not the only option. Make SURE whoever does the evaluation is a Board Certified Child Psychiatrist, not a pediatrician.