I dont wanna choose medication, Im getting desperate for ideas !

Erin - posted on 11/18/2011

L-Theanine is a homeopathic "medicine" found naturally in green tea. it is an amino acid. the link is for the one we use, tastes like tropical fruit. I give my son a quarter of a tablet every morning. (it is also great to take for yourself) Since I started giving this to him, it's like a light switch was flipped!

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Factors-St...

Candice - posted on 11/15/2011

Hi i had the same problem and i decided to give my son METHYLPHENIDATE HCI-DOUGLAS the dr has to prescribe it. but he is doing so much beta on these meds that when i do not give it he askes me that he wants to feel beta than yesterday. It just shows that he can feel that it does help him.
I hope this helps u!

Beth - posted on 11/15/2011

Roxanne really hit the nail on the head.

Roxanne - posted on 11/11/2011

We were in the same boat, but I was told by my professor of child psychology that its a chemical imbalance all your doing is helping out with whats lacking. You don't have to overdose your kid. It got so insane that I couldn't get 2 minutes down the road without having to pull over and yell in order to get my kids attention and stop screaming in the car. My brain would just shut down driving. I tell you, the meds made all of us happier, even her. She said there was so much in her head that she couldn't process it all. She literally couldn't think before she acted. On the meds, shes not a zombie at all. Still a difficult kid, but not as bad as before and she doesn't get in trouble as much so shes happier. She able to sit with the rest of the kids in class instead of in the corner to keep her from distractions. I think you should just go in as a trial thing, see how it goes and always ask your kid how they are feeling. See if they are happier.

Brenda - posted on 11/11/2011

Have you tried spanking? Have you tried taking something away from him that is important to him. My oldest son didn't mind spankings but I learned that if I sent him to his room and made him write a page on "Why I am being mean to my brother and sisters" he absolutely hated that. He had to stay in his room until he did it. I know your son isn't old enough to do that. What you have to do is find out what works for him. I would strongly recommend changing his diet. Take away all caffine, sugar and foods that contain dyes like lollypops, hotdogs and foods with msg. Some kids calm down completely when this is done. If I can help in any way, you can email me privately if you like.

Brenda
childrenscastleboutique.com
bellfas@blomand.net

Brooke - posted on 11/11/2011

Jessica,

I felt the same way about my daughter who is turning 7 years old next week. I could have wrote your post about my daughter and our situation. I was soooo scared to try medication but I finally thought if she was diagnosed with any other condition, I would give her the medicine so why am I so scared to give her medication for this. I have known for a long time that my daughter has ADHD and was scared to find out for sure. I tried all other methods, clear to the point that I am now homeschooling my daughter. As of yesterday, my daughter received her first script for Metadate 20mg, once a day. So far the medicine is very fresh in our lives but it was needed! If my daughter was diagnosed with a Thyroid condition or Blood pressure issues, or any condition....... I as her mother, would give her the medicine and I had to convince myself to try this medicine for her. Since we started the first dose, she has not argued, yelled, fought with siblings...... she has just been my little girl, that is the good girl I know but only seen a little of. I was sooo scared of medicine for my child yet once I gave it to her, she was still my child just not as agitated or angry. I guess my advice is that I was scared but knew I had to try medication for her and my sake. So far, I feel like I have made a good decision for her but if any side effects occur or if I "loose" my daughter's personality in any way, then hopefully we can pick a different route and keep trying........ if anyone has any help or advice, please let me know :) thanks

Jade - posted on 11/10/2011

Not putting him on meds can be almost cruel. Imagine wandering around with about 50 televisions playing all at once all the time.
They suffer socially, which makes him moody when he gets home, and then you fight, and the cycle continues.

Just because you put him on meds doesn't mean you have to stick with the one you choose. You're going to be adjusting and balancing his meds, and they're going to change all the time. If it's too much, you can always reduce.

If your kid had asthma, you wouldn't NOT give him an inhaler, right?

I know you're scared you're going to zombify your kid, but you're not. You're going to be well informed, start with tiny doses, and if it doesn't work you're going to switch meds or change doses.

It's not just going to make it easier for you, it's going to make it easier for him. Suddenly, the TV's in his head will be turned off, he'll be able to learn and grow and focus. He'll develop socially and be able to keep up in class and play soccer with his friends.

Angela - posted on 11/05/2011

We having been raising my niece since she was three months old. Our family has been suffering through her ADHD for years now. She is now 13 and it has been so bad with the disrespect, stealing and lying that at times I've wanted to do a drive-by at her "birthmother's house" and drop her off. I know that sounds horrible because I feel like a horrible mother when the drama calms back down. But she can totally control our home with her behavior and no matter how much you pray for patience somehow you get caught up in the madness. I love her with all my heart and she is so beautiful (inside & out) but when she's bad... she is so, so bad. I've tried no medication (didn't work) many different medications that would work for a while then she would seem to get used to it and it wouldn't work again. None of them worked all day, but she would do better in school for awhile. She is very smart but because of her behavior she would decide at times she just didn't want to do her work. I've raised three daughters so this isn't new to me. My youngest suffered a Tramatic Brain Injury when she was 14 years old. My middle daughter was also dianosed with add but she had respect of her parents, our things and lied no more than most children. She too had issues with the medicine but back them we only had a couple of choices. She is 25 now and still takes medication to help her stay focused. She can easily get distracted by the tv in just minutes.... she just checks out and in totally involved in the tv program. It's crazy how different add & adhd are but there is a big difference. My 13 year old is now taking INTUNIV 4MG. It is the best medicine she has taken so far... no tummy ache, she still eats and stays herself which is important because we want to change the behavior not the childs personality. She is awesome. She has an amazing singing voice. She's beautiful and kind. I love her with all my heart but I can't lie about the hard parts. Oh yes one more thing... diet. No sodas, no sugar, no caffine, or very limited amounts. I make her run a lot of times when she misbehaves and that helps a lot. Excercise is so, so important and I've finally got the school to use excercise as a form of punishment. She runs anywhere from 1 to 3 laps for talking out in class, being disrespectful, or not finishing work ontime. It has really been working. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. God Bless ♥

MINISTER APRIL - posted on 11/01/2011

Hi...I command you on saying...The meds.Would make it easier on you!Most mom's are doing that !I see noone is answering you and I know why...This is very usual important touchy subject...I do not agree with medications now some people and children need it...But...In our Society today Ithey are over medicating...I am a Minister and have a degree in Psy...But...I can not be used as your professional...As a mother and now 49 yrs.old...I know what I do for A week or Two to test to see if he needs meds or not...I know what I want to write...But...I have to think on it...Back in the day the older mom's knows what worked and how we were raised...I will get back to you...There are 7 signs to ADHD...Look it up...



AND...IT does not include a children spitting punching hitting thier parents and other children...That is no DISCIPLINE ! PERIOD!I am sorry...But...My daughter's are 24 and 27 yrs.old...AND...We had alot of probelms life families do...I raised them myself...That be the day even now!They be spitting kicking punching me !!!!!!!!



My grandson 10 yrs old was having probelms...Told my daughter have his IQ checked it was high and he was bored...BUT...His Alcoholic family and Dad mentally and emotonally abusing didn't hlep much ! GOD BLESS US ALL...This was all said...IN LOVE ! Children are PRECIOUS and OUR FUTURE ! I worked with troubled children and teens for yrs...My Street Ministry...Hardcore kids and people...There are many many issues involved in all this..

Erin - posted on 11/01/2011

There is a lot of alternative information at this website. http://www.naturalnews.tv/ See if anything sounds good to you.

Jenni - posted on 10/31/2011

I have a 7 yr. old daughter just diagnosed ADHD and also diagnosed learning disabled. I was totally against medication, but the more her problems increased I thought that I should at least try medication, then I could say I tried and move on. She has been on the medication for over a month and is doing very well. I even get "nice" reports from her teacher. Her teachers has noticed positive improvements. Hearing that makes my heart happy. After all, all we as parents want in life is to make life a positive journey. There wasn't much to comment about that was positive for my poor little girl, life was difficult for her. I also had to try the medication because my daughter has 11 more years of school and before medication school was a struggle and she did not like it or want anything to do with it hardly. Now she does her homework voluntarily and talks positive about school. Not only does school get affected, but every aspect of their little lives; social and emotional. My daughter has even made new friends whereas before she didn't want anything to do with people. The medication step was scary, but once we took the time to understand it, learn from it, and accept it, things are looking brighter for my daughter.

Rebecca - posted on 10/30/2011

I felt exactly the same way.my two oldest children are diagnosed with ADHD and other mental disorders. and i refused medication for awhile. then about a year ago i finally gave in. it took a while to find the right dosage and meds for each of them but now they are doing better in school academically, they are more social and can lead normal lives. One of my sons adhd was so severe he was hospitalized several times. I wish i would have gave in sooner. my children aren't zombies some medicines are for everyone they take different medications and are brothers. but at the end of the day you know whats best for your child. but with the right medicine and as they continue behavorial therapy the overall goal is to get them to the point they can control their impulses on there own without medicine as they get older.

Belinda - posted on 10/30/2011

Hi Jessica,
I would love to know how your going with your son?
Did you find the answers to what you were looking for...
I'm a health and wellbeing coach with 3 children, 7, 9 & 11 and find the information given to parents is extremely confusing and overwhelming and when I read your post and seen there was so many people going through the same thing I really felt for you and thought I would take the time to simply say Hi! and I hope all is going better. I hope you are also finding some time out for yourself as well! Any questions you may have feel free to ask back :)

Kristen - posted on 10/28/2011

I understand what you are going through because I went through the same thing with my son. I did not want to medicate him but sometimes you have to do this so they can live a normal life. With the help of doctors, I found the right meds for Kameron. Do not think that if you choose to medicate that your trying to make it easier for you. Kameron still has his moments but his behavior has drastically improved. As long as he has your support, good doctors who cares about the well being of your son, not just medicating him, and a therapist. My son is a happy 8yr old who goes to counseling and therapy and has a loving supportive family and mother.(I am a single parent too) Remember that you have to be your child's advocate. Make sure that you get all the services your child needs. If he goes to school, by law they are suppose to help make accomodations so he gets the same adequate education as other students. Remember that you are a great mother, dont give up, your son needs you and know that you are not alone. I have been there. I hope that this email helps you.

Debi - posted on 10/25/2011

My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 4. I, too, was afraid of the personality change. His dr. did not believe in diagnosing before 5, but through persistence from me (he was about to be ejected from daycare for his impulsive behavior) and because we have an older son with ADD he agreed to evaluate him. He spent 2 hours with him, but within a half hour it was obvious. We started him on medication at 4 and had to adjust and change brands several times before we found the right one. He was never a 'zombie', but it was quite different to see him behave like other children his age, so to some who were around him quite a bit it would appear that he was a bit 'zombified'! He's now 8 and he is a bright, normal child with a sweet, loving personality. He can still be mischevious, and it hasn't been easy - with growth spurts have come medication changes, etc., but I can't imagine what his life would have been like without the medication. He acts so normal in fact, that I sometimes think he doesn't need it anymore and will not give it to him, but by 10:00 in the morning it's quite obvious he hasn't outgrown it. Good luck, it's not an easy road, but one worth traveling!

Janine - posted on 10/24/2011

I read a book called Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr Natasha McBride. She suggests that many symptoms of ADHD, autism, other conditions that are usually viewed of in a mental capacity, are related to issues with digestion (or lack of). My daughter has high functioning autism and when we first found out, we tried the gluten free casein free diet. It really helped with the intensity of her symptoms. It didn't cure her, but she improved enough that most people when they first meet her now would not guess she has autism. If you have the energy, it might be worth analyzing and changing diet to see if there is an improvement. I'd seek advice from his pediatrician or a nutritionist first if you decide to try that.

Marilyn - posted on 10/23/2011

I really empathize with you, as your description sounds exactly like mine own life 4 years ago. I felt like I was doing something wrong, like I just needed to find the right behavior training. The thing was that it worked so long as it was novel to him or entertaining which made me think I was finally on the right path, but the behavior I wanted never lasted. The thing is, there's a physiological reason why he can't control himself. No kid wants to be on the bad side of anyone. Medication has a lot of negative associations with it, but I know that if my son had an infection that required antibiotics I wouldn't think twice about giving it to him, So why do we put such a guilt trip on ourselves and stigmatize a legitimate use of ADHD medication? There are risks with any medication, even tylenol... they are not perfect for sure. But medications for ADHD often work, and work well. I am not exaggerating when I say my son has turned around 100%. I still need to set limits, I still need to enforce expectations, but guess what? Now he has the ability to comply with those expectations. Without his medication it set him up for failure every time....... and we were all miserable. He is 100% himself, not loopy, not in a fog, gaining weight and happy as a clam. We were fortunate to have this experience, but from what I understand it is a typical response. There are reports of some side effects, a handful of horror stories... which would be any mom's nightmare. I would allow your own research to guide your decision- good luck, it WILL get better.

Megan - posted on 10/21/2011

Try seeing a dietician...I have a friend who's child has ADHD and is able to control it without med by closely controlling his diet.

Kiara - posted on 10/21/2011

Medicating him is going to make it easier for him. My daughter has been on Concerta for a year now. Before the diagnosis and meds she had a ton of trouble with school and is actually repeating a grade. Her personality hasn't changed AT ALL! Just think about the fact that he's in this battle with you too and he's only 5. Its hard for him also. By giving him meds you will allow him to control himself and be able to build upon his positive traits without having fight against the negative ones. Meds don't make them perfect children. You will still have to discipline him. You will still have good days and bad days. But most importantly the amazing smart sweet kid will show up more often that the other one. I also give my daugher Cod Liver oil for Omega-3s (which are supposed to help as well) and am teaching her ways to deal with the ADHD in natural ways as well so she won't need the meds forever.

Sheree - posted on 10/19/2011

OK...this is a seriously tough issue. My daughter is 9. She's been in counseling since she was 4. She has serious issues with depression & anxiety. So, my situation is different than yours. However, there are similarities.

The idea of medicating a young child is so difficult! It feels wrong & even selfish, like you said. I understand that, deeply. But through counseling, I have had different perspectives introduced to me & my daughter.

Medications are sometimes used temporarily. They can really help your child. Remember, your child has to live in society & follow the rules around them. Although each child is unique, they do need to be able to fit in to a degree. They also need to be able to control themselves.

As parents, we ask things of our children that are sometimes beyond their abilities. Asking my daughter to calm down, relax, try to stop "freaking out" & to behave appropriately is just not within her capabilities when she is upset.

Is it fair to ask her to have to struggle with her own emotions & inappropriate impulses when she really can not do it? I don't think so. Am I setting her up to fail time & again & to feel bad about herself for her failures (that are not her fault)?

I ask too much of her sometimes because she can't just "calm down" or stop obsessing in things. Can medication provide an improvement in the quality of HER life? Maybe. Is it fair NOT to try if there is something that might make her life a bit easier? Think about that question. Can you stop a medication once you try it? We have.

Think things out carefully. Keep in mind that your child's life is ALSO adversely affected by their issues. Sometimes, you can more successfully teach coping skills & communication/social skills once you address a child's issues.

I hope that I helped...in some way. It helped me to see it differently. Your child will always be who they are. If you think a medication affects them too much or has ANY side affects that you aren't comfortable with, talk openly to the doctor. You can always stop any medication if the cons out weigh the pros.

Good luck!

Joy - posted on 10/19/2011

I truly feel for you, because I dont know how I would have done it with out my support system. I spend a-lot of time in tears over it, but now my 9 year old in thriving beautifully without medication. We started noticing symptoms when she was 4/5 & she was diagnosed at 5/6.It was a rough road especially dealing with other parents who just dont understand what you are going through & think your child is bad. Between working with the school closely, having an aid til 3rd grade(she is now in 4th), working with a couple therapists & books we have been able to produce great results. All I can suggest is getting the support you need, which I know is hard especially if your child isnt in school yet, but they do have support groups for parents with children of ADHD. Also, some great books are Parenting with Love & Logic by Jim Fay & the Now What to Do When books by Dawn Huebner. Good luck & God Bless! Hang in there.

HEIDI - posted on 10/15/2011

MMm I can sympathise.I have 4 kids..one with cp,one with aspergers/adhd/odd,one ok,and the youngest yet to be diagnosed but suspected Aspergs too.Have you tried NRG from herbalife?.It's natural guarana.It works for some.or if you think that he may need a diet change try their shakes.I found with my son(now 15) but I have been where u r now.That when it all boils down he has to know that youre boss regardless...short and sweet questions or answers and leave it at that.Dont argue you never win..that much I've learn't.Tell him how it is and is going to be and stick to it.Ignore any tantrums...it's your attention they want,regardless if its negative.Take away privelliges if nothing else works..sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind...and don't give it back until he deserves it.If he plays up again take it away again.We trialled our son when young on the drugs..some were bad.when he hit puberty I got told by Mental health that the Ritalin could make him infertile,i didn't want to be responsible for that.Since then he has been off all medication..he has his days and moments and he stimes physically fights with his younger brother(and comes of 2nd best) lol..it's hard I know...Because I've been there and still going through it occasionally with him.And my 7yr old daughter can be very impulsive and boistrous,hyperactive,and strong willed etc too...I cant give you a miracle answer but if you just want to talk to someone feel free to find me on Facebook and have a chat,sometimes sharing and knowing you're not alon s'times helps too.Best of luck!...chin up.Regards Heidi Gene overton-Toowoomba Queensland Australia.

Rhonda - posted on 10/15/2011

I guess I really need to say it outright...A person is going to do what they need to do to get through the day. If this day, they are stronger than another, they will do things that will get them to the next stronger day. To tell the truth, I have always said that everyone needs someone to talk to. I have a great health plan that covers counselling. If that is the type of thing I have to do to get through the challenges in life, that is what I do. I also need help to focus when I have to study while my children tug on my "heartstrings", so I lock myself in my room and do my online courses and take my adderal XR to get all that I can out of my learning experience. Chemical imbalance is not a question of should I medicate, but a question of, why should I work harder when it is proven that most of the reason I'm not getting it is because I have a proven brain malfunction. The more I get counselling the better I feel and the more studying proves to help my grades, the more confident I am. Try the meds. If this doesn't help, take them off it. If it does...well...great!

T.J. - posted on 10/14/2011

i can't tell you what to do because i'm in kind of the same place. Except my son started that way and now he is bi-polar and in a children's behavioral hospital and getting worse by the day. I'm just saying maybe think of how worse it could be and fight hard to get him the help he needs. That's what i'm trying to do. At first i thought i could handle it. Changed his sleeping and eating habits and put him on a very strict routine. on top of keeping him busy in sports to avoid conflicts.Then when that didn't work i got him in therapy and started abilify. And it just seems like the meds are getting worse to deal with. I dont know if we haven't found the right one's or what but we are struggling through this. It's tremendously hard. So i feel for you.

Amy - posted on 10/14/2011

Something else to try in addition to everything else... sensory breaks. Its common for kids with ADHD to need them. They really help too!

Sheri - posted on 10/14/2011

hi i hve two kids with adhd and i found out that change thier diet. take out white flour, the amount of sugar, and red die #4. try this it might work it did with one of my kids. oh and break up thier chores or work in smaller things like pick your toys up, then pick your clothes up and so on it will help i know it sounds crazy but it will work and your life will get easier.

Annie - posted on 10/14/2011

I am in the same boat as you. My daughter is 5 yrs old also. She is very loving sweet but very hyper not paying attention and angry and running around and not focusing in the class. We have same issue not to give her any medication doctors has suggested, Dr also mentioned by giving medication she will eat less and loose weight. I don't want that for my girl. So My daughter speech therapist suggested that i would give her less sugar, less juices and snacks.. give them healthy stuff like multi vitamins and ensure for kids. That calm my daughter little bit.. No she has no junk food at all and less food from stores or restaurants. I make healthy and fresh right from my kitchen and give her all the attention she needs. If you work from Home, you have all the time to be with your child and be patient and do things for him............

Amy - posted on 10/14/2011

Whether or not to put a child on medication is a very personal and difficult choice. I live in a home with 3 ADHDers. My husband and both my children have it. None of them were diagnosed until recently. My daughter, well, we pretty much knew she had it. Hyperactivity is an understatement when describing her. However, I was surprised about my boys. Impulsive definitely describes them but it was hard to see beyond my daughter's energy level. I once likened them to living with a family of caffeinated squirrels. My daughter was/is significantly underweight and still cannot read or right in school. Finally, I put her on medication but not until after my boys had been on their medication for some months. I feel horrible about it now, but in all honesty I was so worried about the side effects and weight loss. My daughter is now able to pay more attention in school. She's less impulsive and hyper and is beginning to develop better friendships. Since she can now sit still for some period of time, she's less anxious and is gaining weight. I wish I had done this years ago and not let my fears get in the way. That having been said, I'd seen my husband see psychiatrists who paid no attention to what was going on in his life & just prescribed a pill for however he was feeling. I didn't want a developing mind to go through that either. Find a psychiatrist you trust. Ours got to know the personalities before beginning medications and stated up front it was important to treat the symptoms and not alter those personality traits.

Put yourself in your son's position. He has no control over his impulses. The mouthiness, disrespect, nosiness, impulsiveness... Easily explained. You state that he's smart, well that comes from having an inquisitive nature. Without the filter, what is adorably inquisitive in one person becomes nosey in another. He can't help himself when the inquisitive aspect of his personality is paired with the impulsivity that is beyond his control. That filter that keeps most children from being mouthy and disrespectful is lacking in our loved ones with adhd. Volume control? I've yet to meet someone with ADHD that this came naturally too and to top it off he's 5 years old. If they could control it, it would indeed be a behavior issue. They can't though. They can't control those things anymore than a diabetic can control how their body processes insulin. There are things he can learn and absolutley should. Stress is going to come up in his life time and again and it makes adhd meds less effective. It is important to keep up with alternative strategies like the behavioral techniques.

As for being angry, if you couldn't control yourself and you lived a life where who you were was wrong...wouldn't it make you mad? Think about life from his point of view. His ADHD takes a toll on every aspect of his life. He's still young enough that he can't really separate the aspects of ADHD from who he is, so each of these negative things he takes personally. You already know his heart. He's a smart and loving boy. That being said, he's going to be trying to make sense of it and can he be expected to find any reason other than that there is something wrong with HIM? Being a loving child, wouldn't that hurt him just as much as anger him?

Can I ask you something? You say you don't want to medicate him to make things easier on you. Would you be medicating him to make it easier on him or would you be medicating him so that he has a chance to learn techniques that will help him to be able to interact in his world and with the people in his world better? Would you be medicating him to give him every opportunity that he needs to succeed? If he had diabetes and needed medication, wouldn't you give it to him? What about cancer or strep throat? ADHD is just as real a medical condition outside of his control as any other medical condition.

Stephanie - posted on 10/13/2011

Hi i have my son on ritalin i did not want to have him medicated i tried change his diet put him in more sports to wear him out tried charts did parenting classes behaviour classes and therapies nothing was working my son has a speech difficulties developed a stutter at 6 years old he lost his good standing at school within the first 2 weeks his teachers were great tho. I was always in meetings at the school trying to figure out ways to stop him fidgeting, help him concentrate and stopping hi from getting introuble. I started to feel like i was failing him but the day when he came to me and said mummy why cant i be good like everyone else was just too much for me. I spoke with his specialist and he went thru all side effects (which he got no side effects) and that the medication has changed alot since it first came out it is alot safer it doesnt make them a zombie they still have their personalities it just slows them down so they can concentrate. Since my son has been on it he has not been introuble his speech is getting better his stutter has improved he has started to be able to read he has stopped writing backwards he can sit in class he still runs around and plays and is still himself

Anysia - posted on 10/12/2011

I work for a weight loss & nutrition company based out of western PA.. we have had results with a few customers that have purchased Future Star (powder drink) helps with focus and then they crush Tranquility (calming effect) and give it to him every morning and evening. We have one customer that gives her son up to 5 crushed Tranquility tabs in a day. They are herbal supplements so it does not have the effects of medication normally given to childen with ADHD. I also work with a gentleman that has a nephew that started on this regimine and it's pretty much non existant now that he is in High School. I'm not sure if you would be interested, but if you would like to try, my email address is infinwellness@gmail.com. I hope everything works out for you and your son ; )

Gemma - posted on 10/11/2011

I totally feel for you and understand wot ur goin throu. My 6 yr old son is exactly the same. Iv done parentin courses...reward charts...bribery iv had behaviour lady come rnd to do home visits and all in all none of this has worked. I finally went to the docs and had a referall to the hosp. After months of waiting we finally got seen...the doc believed that my son has got adhd and also odd. (funilly enuff this is exactly wot his dad had at a young age) He was finally put on meds aug this yr....Eqausim 10mg...he has to take capsules which i have to open n put on a spoonful of yoghurt as he cant swallow tabs. At first i thought id lost my little boy he was just like a zombie and actually wud sit still and focus and listen. He hardly ate anythin and i wanted to take him off the meds...but i left it to c if things got worse or better. He began eating normally after about 4 days which was a huge relief....and his personality started comin b after a few wks. He cudnt sleep at night due to the meds keepin him awake so he is on a medicine to help release the sleep hormone in his body. As much as i hate him bein medicated i was at wits end with him. Iv been to hell n bk with him and he is only 6! Im so glad iv tried him on meds as he now focuses much better at school and is doin lots better than last yr. I still have some naughty behaviour but not as half as bad as wot it was. Meds dont cure the adhd but it sure does help.

Mary - posted on 10/10/2011

check out the Feigold diet. It is more work than giving a pill, but there are miracle stories. Basically it is get off food coloring and preservatives. You have to make a lot from scratch, but they can still have sweets. Also, good supplements, esp. fish oil.

Mary - posted on 10/10/2011

OMG no ur not the only one.I'm raising my six yr old grandson and go throught it too.In fact last friday he came home with a detention for supposedly flippin a kid and swearing..my first reaction is does a 6yr old know what a detention is? and if situation was that bad Why was I not called? we go to counciling to but I've not really seen where that helps..So no mam ur not the only one who goes throught this..

Roxanne - posted on 10/09/2011

I agree with Bonnie and Lorene. We have tried so many different things for our daughter's ADD. We really did not want to medicate because we've heard of all the misdiagnoses. We were fortunate enough to have a great doctor who did suggest different natural things and such. His son is also ADD, so we had a doctor who was a parent of an ADD child. He hates that a lo of doctors just diagnose without doing any testing. We went through 2.5 yrs of trying different natural things. In our daughter's case, she needs the medcation and we've seen a huge improvement in her schooling. As for exercise, we have a huge yard that the kids play in and when it's raining, we play other games- favorite being dance dance revolution. They don't get much tv at all and they would rather play with their legos or barbies than watch tv. So, in our situation, we are so glad we made the decision to medicate with a close eye and help with our doctor. And her doctor said that she may not even need the medication forever. She may outgrow it but for the time being, she needs it to help her learn to focus and concentrate.

Kim - posted on 10/09/2011

HI Jessica Your story could be mine. My son is now 7 and we have resolved most issues but....it did come down to trying a medication. I tried it, not thinking it would make a difference, but in 2 hours, i had a different child. For the first time, he waited patiently instead of running off, and I didn't have to worry about him running into traffic. He was calm and the arguing stopped. I'm not here to push medication - ultimately it's your choice - but with the behaviour you describe, your relationship with your son will suffer, as will your own mental and physical well being. Plus, you'll be giving him a chance to be who he REALLY is. If it works for him, it'll give him an opportunity to do well socially - not just with you at home but with friends and at school, etc............... Whatever you decide, I wish you the best. It is hard being a single parent with no support but doing it with an ADHD child, is even more tough. Remember that ADHD is a neurological condition - it's not willful and it's not pleasant for him either.

Lorene - posted on 10/08/2011

Sounds like you're staying on top of it Bonnie. To be honest with you, the only longitudinal study to date found that behavioral training works as well as medication. It comes down to a parents ability to parent effectively. Lets face it, not all can. Sadly, for too many now-a-days the material world has overtaken the parenting and family life to the point of the children being medicated into compliance in order to survive in a world too complex for them to understand.
In reading through the posts here I'd like to caution everyone once again to educate yourselves independently of forums like this.....based in my education and training I believe there's really a lot of misguided and blatantly wrong information here. as in all things buyer beware!

Bonnie - posted on 10/08/2011

@ Lorene - completely correct. My son had to have a LOT of time exercising. I put him in basketball and he is also allowed to ride his bike after homework every day with his friends. I have a no-t.v. rule during the week (or video games, etc) He has to play with his legos, or beyblades or pokemon cards or whatever after dinner for a bit. But no tv. I also have a magnetic chart from Melissa & Doug that is relatively inexpensive and lists chores he is required to do each day, and some he can choose to do for money. Because this is physical activity it is actually something he enjoys doing (after the initial "I don't WANNA do it!" ) Once he gets going he is all about cleaning and helping around the house. My son is 8 so you have to do what works for your child's age. Our pediatricians office recommends a constant enrollment in some kind of physical activity for EVERY day.

Lorene - posted on 10/08/2011

The other thing that helps considerably is to take a serious look at how much exercise they are getting. Sadly, most kids don't spend more than 15 or 20 minutes running around at school and them come home and sit in front of the computer, tv, or video game. And, how much interaction are they getting with others? ADHD kids tend to have tremendous social issues. They need extra curricular clubs, classes, and activities to learn how to fit with their peers.

Rhonda - posted on 10/07/2011

I am diagnosed ADD and my daughter is diagnosed ADD. If the right medicine is found, the spark will not dissipate, but will retain in the concentration of school work. My daughter is on Concerta, prescribed by a neurologist, who was also treating her for complex partial seizures. The seizure medication is now stopped after only three years, but the Concerta lives on in our house. I take effexor, which helps me to concentrate on my online courses for paralegal studies. I am almost finished and feel that the concentration helps the feeling of learning helplessness go away. I have heard that more protein diet will curb add symptoms but it hasn't proven in my house.

Roxanne - posted on 10/07/2011

I totally understand what you're saying and going through! We tried the all natural diet and it only helped slightly. We finally went with medication. We loved Concerta. But after we found the dosage that worked, our daughter lost weight- 7lbs. So then we tried Aderal (sp?) but it made her mean. So, we tried a different formula that was similiar to Concerta but was different. She's on Focalin. We like it. She has to have a higher dosage and started having the same problem with the weight just not as drastic. We actually found a formula that works for us!!! She takes 10mg before school then when she gets home she takes 5mg. We haven't had any problems and she's gone from failing to being one of the best students! She even enjoys doing her homework!!! Talk to his doctor. I am in constant communication with my daughter's doc because every month we have to get the prescription written again (something to do with Fed guidelines, I think). Good luck and remember, trying is all we can do as parents. We need to set our kids up to succeed and if it takes different measures and different tries, then so be it!!!

Guadalupe - posted on 10/07/2011

I had the same issues with my 10 year old. He was way out of control he too has ADHD. I was really against medicating him but finally I was referred to a really good doctor who helped me out a lot. My son is 10 now and on medication I couldn't be much happier with the results. Now I'm paying for my mistake on not putting him on meds. sooner, he has trouble with his math, reading and some other school work. But you shouldn't give up keep trying! things will get better.

Kate - posted on 10/07/2011

I am in the begining stages of this I fear. I am cureently changing my sons diet, as a nurse I learned the serious effects food has on kids. They speculate that ADD/ADHD could be minimized if parents looked into diet change first. Just an idea, I will let you know how it goes here.

Lani - posted on 10/06/2011

Hey Jessica,

Have you looked into homeopathy? Homeopaths work with the Law of Similars and can find your son's constitutional remedy. Everyone has a constitutional rememdy that will "balance" out their system. I have had great sucess with it both myself and for my daughter. With my daughter it was like you flipped a light switch. I do know of a large number of children who have had similar experiences (although with some it took a little longer). Homeopathic remedies are safe, natural and inexpensive. It has been a win/win in our household for years.

Hope this helps.
Lani Donaldson

Sylvi-jane - posted on 10/05/2011

Have you tried altering the family meals and drinks? while he is at school go through what you have in the freezer, fridge and cupboards if you have the book e for aditives you will find most of what you have will contain a lot of E numbers in them what i did was used them up quickly gave some to relations as a form of hamper and changed over to fresh stuff and E number free foods a good cookbook is must, cook and freeze lots of meals you make and try lower salt and sugar gradually and cut out fizzy drinks lemonade and cream soda have no colourings so if your child must have fizzy get low or no sugared types my son does not have meds so i try not to have him on them either... good luck

Kristen - posted on 10/03/2011

My son was diagnosed with ADHD and he was having issues in school mainly with math and remembering, after getting him tested and through all the process we tried natural remedies, behavioral therapy and everything, we had to give in with medication, because he was suffering in school and as much as I am against it, it was the best thing I ever did for him. He is very sensitive and mature for his age and now with medication he is above his grade level and so much more responsible than even before medicine.

Kate - posted on 10/03/2011

LOL - it's boffin or brainiac (or... I'm not a doctor either)! Well, good to know - I, apparently, need to do (yet) more reading!! :-)

Charmaine - posted on 10/03/2011

Actually Kate, we are both correct. Stimulants used for ADHD work by increasing both blood flow and the levels of Dopamine in the brain, especially the frontal lobes where the brain’s Executive Functions take place. Didn't feel I needed to go into major details, seeing as I am not a doctor, and was just trying to give a general idea of how the med's work to support Jessica. Not sure what a "boff" is?

Kate - posted on 10/03/2011

Charmaine - I have to say that medications like Ritilin and Concerta do not increase blood flow to areas of the brain to make them perform correctly - they increase dopamine levels in the brain which decreases what they call 'back-firing' (or the inability for dopamine to connect with relevant or necessary nerves) causing the inattention, etc., they also stimulate the central nervous system. I'm not a boff about it and can't give you all the exact names and processes but that's the general idea. Just thought you'd like to know that because it's not about the blood and maybe you've been misinformed?

Charmaine - posted on 10/03/2011

I felt the same way about the meds, but then a friend and I were talking one day, and she said something to me that stuck. She said the child he is without the meds is not who he was born to be. All the medication does is make him the person he was supposed to be. Why let your child struggle through life when the medical technology is there for us? Believe me, I have ADD, and it is a struggle. The medication will allow your child to reach his full potential. Like one of the girls said earlier... if your child needed glasses to correct his vision would you not provide him those glasses? His personality will not change. All the medication does is increase the blood flow to the area of the brain that does not receive enough to perform correctly.

Natalie - posted on 10/03/2011

I'm sorry, motherhood is hard enough! Have you looked into homeopathic remedies? You definitely should. Check out "The most effective natural cures on earth" by J. Bowden. Meanwhile, does your son take an omega 3 supplement? Start there, for sure, but DO pick up the book on Amazon or at your library - it's got tons of info in there for you. Take care ♥