Post by misty on Jan 6, 2007 12:13:15 GMT -5
Using Medication
Deciding whether or not to put a child with ADHD on medication can be a difficult decision for parents. The most important part of the decision-making process is to seek competent medical guidance, and, if you choose medication, watch for side effects.
Consult with the child's pediatrician and a child psychiatrist who knows medication and can explain the pros and cons,Make the decision only when you have all the facts. If you decide on medication and your child complains of side effects, listen and stop it or lower the dosage. The main reason there's dissatisfaction with medication is when side effects are not monitored."
Although not a cure, when used properly, medication helps 80 percent of individuals with ADHD The major benefit is "mental focus" - being able to stay on track and not getting distracted. Medication, should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes non-medication approaches such as the following:
* Getting enough sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet
* Structuring a child's life: family dinners, regulating TV and video access
* Hiring a coach and tutor
* Getting organized: working at a desk, learning how to do homework
* Managing time
Asking the Right Questions
When deciding whether or not to put your child on medication
* Has my child been helped by non-medication approaches? Self-calming techniques, deep breathing and yoga often can help children with ADHD.
* Has the school tried to teach my child to be more attentive and less active?
* Is the decision to put my child on medication the result of behavioral observations over time and in different settings, such as in school and at home?
* When is my child at his or her best? Fishing with his uncle or playing video games? Help the physician understand how pervasive or selective the problem is.
* Does my child have other conditions that can be mistaken for hyperactivity? Children exposed to toxic chemicals or who have undiagnosed learning disabilities and low-level anxiety disorder may produce similar behaviors.
What Parents Need to Know about AD/HD and Medication: Advice from an M.D.
SchwabLearning.org Asks:
If a child has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and parents are considering giving him medication for the symptoms, what advice, as a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, would you give them?
Dr. Joshi Answers:
www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=532
Deciding whether or not to put a child with ADHD on medication can be a difficult decision for parents. The most important part of the decision-making process is to seek competent medical guidance, and, if you choose medication, watch for side effects.
Consult with the child's pediatrician and a child psychiatrist who knows medication and can explain the pros and cons,Make the decision only when you have all the facts. If you decide on medication and your child complains of side effects, listen and stop it or lower the dosage. The main reason there's dissatisfaction with medication is when side effects are not monitored."
Although not a cure, when used properly, medication helps 80 percent of individuals with ADHD The major benefit is "mental focus" - being able to stay on track and not getting distracted. Medication, should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes non-medication approaches such as the following:
* Getting enough sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet
* Structuring a child's life: family dinners, regulating TV and video access
* Hiring a coach and tutor
* Getting organized: working at a desk, learning how to do homework
* Managing time
Asking the Right Questions
When deciding whether or not to put your child on medication
* Has my child been helped by non-medication approaches? Self-calming techniques, deep breathing and yoga often can help children with ADHD.
* Has the school tried to teach my child to be more attentive and less active?
* Is the decision to put my child on medication the result of behavioral observations over time and in different settings, such as in school and at home?
* When is my child at his or her best? Fishing with his uncle or playing video games? Help the physician understand how pervasive or selective the problem is.
* Does my child have other conditions that can be mistaken for hyperactivity? Children exposed to toxic chemicals or who have undiagnosed learning disabilities and low-level anxiety disorder may produce similar behaviors.
What Parents Need to Know about AD/HD and Medication: Advice from an M.D.
SchwabLearning.org Asks:
If a child has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and parents are considering giving him medication for the symptoms, what advice, as a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, would you give them?
Dr. Joshi Answers:
www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=532
