Ritalin for Hyperactivity

Okay, as someone trained in pediatrics and child psychiatry, I feel I should just have a minor input into this discussion, albeit briefly.

There is no question that there is an overdiagnosis and overprescription of Ritalin. A lot of cases of "ADHD" is no more than children with conduct disorder who just need better parenting. Out of 100 kids diagnosed with ADHD, only about 10% or so probably do have the true disorder, which can be diagnosed in most cases with proper neuroimaging studies like PET or SPECT scans. These kids have an abnormal amount of blood flow in certain areas of the brain which you can physically see on these scans. When you give them Ritalin, this blood flow does normalize, and the kids do have better attention. As these scans are expensive and still only used in research, doctors are left with having to diagnose children using their clinical skills, which can be difficult especially if the doctor is not experienced in these matters.

I can fully understand if you as a parent chooses not to use Ritalin. That is your right. Just understand that there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about ADHD and Ritalin, even amongst the professionals, and each parent needs to do their own research, and come to their own conclusions.

Remember that human beings are a tripartite being - with a body, a soul and a spirit. There is no point treating the body, if we do not treat the soul and spirit too. Medication has a place, and so too does counseling, and also prayer.

God bless you all, and remember to pray for your child. God is our Healer.

Addendum:

Don't get me wrong. If a child truly has ADHD, then the child will benefit from Ritalin, because of the neurophysiological problem involved. The problem is that doctors overdiagnose ADHD, and give Ritalin to kids who don't have ADHD. When the Ritalin doesn't work in these kids who don't have ADHD, people think that Ritalin doesn't work. Ritalin does work, as studies have proven, as long as the child is properly diagnosed and truly has ADHD. Mind you, I am speaking as a physician, so like I said, each parent needs to do his or her own research and do the best for his or her child.

To OTR:

My son with ADD always did FANTASTIC one-on-one. You'd never know he was an ADD child. But get him into any kind of group situation, he'd go haywire. Our family doctor explained that the over-stimulation of the environment with these kids just jams up their circuits, and then they cannot behave properly. She said it's like being in a loud disco with flashing lights, trying to sit at a table and balance your checkbook....and you have a migraine at the same time.

I'd probably pick fights and throw furniture, too!

Each child is different, though. And it's a very difficult job to find what works, and what doesn't. Our prayers are with you.


Peace,
~VOW

I am a 15 yr old with ADHD(diagnosed at 4-6 yrs old), i took ritalin for a while, and then aderal..which I am on now, I really don't like either drug, it helps me at school, but i think i have a kind of dependance on it to do any homework..or studying..which some people with add who have never taken medication dont have...

 

 

My dad used a belt on me many times when I was younger, I really think that helped...even though I thought it was abuse at the time, I know now that it was neccessary.

Parents...discipline your children

probably more ADD than anything. The school counselors, psychologist and teachers suggersted it first. I did not like it and fought the suggestion to medicate. However, when she continued to have problems behaving in a modified class in the second grade, I talked to our doctor and her mother. We all eventually agreed to put her on adderall. The difference is startling, to say the least. She still has bad moments, but she is learning to make the right choices. The children must still be disciplined consistently, but with understanding for an 'extra' problem. You must teach the child proper behaviour and response. The medicine only makes it possible to teach them. I am now learning how and what to teach my child.