4 year old on ADHD meds?? | ADHD Information

So in my heart I think I knew my daughter needed meds when she was a toddler. 

At 5/6 we really thought about it ... had a diagnosis ... but was able to manage the situation.  We were told that the situation usually spins out of control in 4th or 5th grade.

We put her on meds in 5th grade because our family was falling apart.  And her self esteem was so low.  Maybe we waited too long.

All that said ... if possible get your daughter to a specialist.  I would not consider meds at 4 based on a PEDIATRICIAN's recommendation!!

Ask friends/family for a specialist. My school district had recommended doctors, sometimes even pre-schools can help.

I love my PEDIATRICIAN but she refused to deal with the ADHD meds saying that was a specialty she was not an expert on. 

We waited until my son was almost 9.  I should have seen things sooner but we all have 20/20 vision looking back.  I would not allow any doctor or specialist to push meds on your little one.  Get an opinion and then get 4 more.  Like school everyone is pushing things on younger and younger children.  I teach 4 year olds and can tell you that behavior changes daily.  Make sure you have exhausted every other possible outlet before you jump in on meds.  I wish you the best and this is an awesome support board My son is 5 and just started focalin last Friday. I had him evaluated through the school, two Dev Peds, and an evaluation with a neuropsych before making a decision. I would agree with the others that have stated you should NOT be pushed by the Peds to medicate, especially at such a young age. My son's Ped talked with me and his teacher, had us fill out the Vanderbilt test, then had me come in alone for a consultation where we discussed various meds AS WELL as alterternate options. In the end, the decision should rest with you, no one knows your child better than you do.I agree also, DO NOT use a pediatrician for meds, or for a diagnosis. Use a Neuropsych for a DX, and a Psychiatrist for meds. 4 is still so young, I wouldn't even consider meds until at least age 6.

Hello, I am the mom of a recently diagnosed 4 year old girl. Is it too soon to put her on meds? Her pediatrician is really pushing meds, but I am not sure if she is ready. She already takes asthma meds and I am worried about potential side effects. I'll learn tommorow exactly what her pediatrician wants her on. She still is so tiny- 36 pounds! Any thoughts?

Take one day at a time. The pediatrician will know the right thing to do and what to put her on.i disagree that the pediatrician will know the right thing to do --- oftentimes they don't.

however, there are many who have medicated at that age and i am not aware of any horror stories or adverse side effects - just don't let yourself be bullied!  if you want to wait until she is six or five - then DO so.

DO NOT allow yourself to be pushed into a decision you feel unhappy with --- as it goes there are plenty of ADDers out there (myself included) who grew up ENTIRELY unmedicated and really that is the case for almost ALL add-children who were born in the 70s or before.  if it was MY child i would hold off until I felt comfortable with it.

as far as i am aware there is no stimulant medication which is recommended for children under six by the manufacturers - so if you WANT to wait until that age, then fine.

just make sure YOU are in charge of the decisions and are happy with them - either way. 

good luck. 

I also disagree the pediatrician will know the right thing to do. Many, many people work with behavior modification for starters, as this will be helpful to ANY 4 year old. There are so many issues she will outgrow by 6, you'll know better what you're treating. Do your research and like chjones says do waht you feel is right. Don't let anyone make this decision for you.