Afraid of a Label this early

[Amy_West]

My 9 year old has been struggling with school for years now. I'm considering holding him back this year but have made a doctor's appointment first to look into possible diagnosis for ADD/Adhd..He has some behavioral problems and can't seem to keep friendships. It breaks my heart because I just thought that was who he innately was..KINDA HOPEFUL it may be something that can be fixed with therapy and medication possibly. My only fear is the depression,that comes with taking these med in the beginning. I have been,treated for ADHD and hated feeling like a guinea pig in the beginning and when I finally found a medication,that worked the dark depression was INSANE.!! NO WARNING but have found if I kept taking it I eventually was okay..I'm worried about it all but yet feel a tad bit hopeful.

[JoyousExpectation]

Start with getting a diagnosis and then consider how to address the issues. Many people do not treat adhd with medication and many people do. Some adhd kids go on and then off medication as their needs change. Get some support and assistance first then you can start thinking about how to address it with coaching school accommodations and possibly medication.

[Shotsymama]

Some people who are never treated, diagnosed, or treated with drugs for ADHD also try to kill themselves. The right thing to do is support your child no matter what and always be available for discussion. I agree that the natural, least invasive treatments are always a must try first, but a lot of people would agree that without medication for aid in this they wouldn't be able to function in society normally. You shouldn't scare people into not treating their children's ADHD. Proper supervision and dosage and communication are important.

[rwish]

The opinion by Zane is untrue and not supported by current international scientific evidence, nor by the experience of healthcare providers, assisting children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD may lead to serious intermediate and long term outcomes. Medication as one component of a comprehensive management approach to ADHD is safe and highly effective in most individuals. Side effects of medication are usually mild, manageable and far less concerning than the side effects of no medication. Advice from a developmental pediatrician and/or a registered psychologist is recommended because misinformation about ADHD, like all chronic problems is pervasive online.

Medications prescribed and used as directed for ADHD are not addictive and do not increase risk for progression to stronger and harder street drugs. Untreated ADHD does however.

This comment is provided by a developmental paediatrician with 35 years of experience helping kids and teens with ADHD. I have no affiliation with drug companies.

[rwish]

Hi Amy,

It's normal to feel concerned especially given your own experience but uncommon for ADHD medications to cause depression. Strattera (atomoxetine) is the only ADHD medicine sometimes associated with symptoms of depression. Your doctor should warn you about this and the medicine should be stopped if symptoms occur. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are often caused by the daily struggle associated with ADHD and in my experience as a physician, these problems are usually improved by ADHD medication combined with behavioural therapy

Your son will benefit from seeing a medical professional. His behaviour, learning and friendship, difficulties may not be due to ADHD, but because ADHD is strongly inherited, this is a strong possibility. His problems can be helped and his future looks bright because you are making good decisions for him and will be able to help him with your own experience. He has a good mother who obviously loves her son.

You can help your doctor by completing Vanderbilt assessment scales and asking the teacher to do so. They are available for download by pasting this link into your browser

nichq.org/sites/default/fil...

[Cjkchamp]

You have to do what is right for you and your child but I think you should read your post to yourself. You’ve identified a lot of reasons to seek some form of help. Nobody says you have to do medications...you and your child decide when and if it is time. A lot of people on this side have also written about the testing you can get so you’re not playing a guinea pig with medications. It might be something to consider if you decide to go that route. Good luck!!

[Hidden]

Just because they didnt help you doesn't mean they don't help or benefit others. You have to do whats right for your child. If your child had diabetes or cancer you would try the meds then. I tried other options before I put my son on meds but in the end the meds help him to get through the day. Without them he would not succeed in school.

[Hidden]

That's so ignorant!