Should i medicate for adhd

Some of the more common accompaniments: anxiety disorders, depression, and learning and language disorders. So you may be trying to find the right mix of treatments for multiple issues. And, of course, there are societal expectations.

It's no wonder that medication is one of the first things parents think about. And we can talk about the risks and benefits and how a medication trial is done to determine if a child is benefiting. In short, the vast majority of children with ADHD who take meds don't need it forever, but they may need it now, and parents have to revisit the medication question every year, because a child's needs can change.

If your child's ADHD is of the milder variety, you may be able to achieve the results you want from classroom-based intervention and parent training. For instance, accommodations at school such as seating the child near the teacher for increased eye contact, giving a daily report card with checks for desired behaviors, and giving frequent breaks can improve your child's performance in school.

At home, organizational strategies, a predictable routine, and behavioral charts can also help. A good behavioral pediatrician should be able to direct you to the proper resources for parent training. Medication -- alongside behavioral modification -- is the recommended strategy for ADHD when the disorder interferes with your child's ability to function. If symptoms are mild or your child has another condition, you may be able to achieve the results you want through counseling and behavioral training.

Most medications prescribed for children with ADHD are stimulants and come in short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting varieties. You're probably familiar with Adderall amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and Ritalin methylphenidate , for instance. One study found that stimulants were most effective in treating ADHD symptoms, as long as the dosage is tailored to the child. There are nonstimulants that can be tried, such as Strattera atomoxetine and Intuniv guanfacine , if stimulants aren't a good fit.

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The evaluation also should include a complete physical, health history, family history and clinical interview with your son. The following information may help you and your family reach a decision that benefits your son, resolves your conflicted feelings and feels right for all of you. ADHD is a neurobiological brain problem that is very treatable. The most commonly used drugs are stimulants. They help improve concentration, memory and organization by boosting the effectiveness of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry information throughout the brain.

There are several different types of stimulant drugs, and while they all work in the same way, different people may react to them differently. Sometimes doctors have to try more than one to find the one that works best with the fewest side effects.