12/23 Parenting With Pills
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Posted by: cjm730
Posted on: 2004-09-25 19:16:06
Dear Dr. Phil,
I am new to this situation however, I have recently become a nanny to two boys who have both been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. The youngest one, Ty, age 9 also has Asberger's syndrom with auditory dyslexia.
Ian is 12 and very articulate for his age.
They both take meds in Am and Pm. I personally have noticed that if they dont take the meds they have behavor problems. Example anxiety, fighting, hyper-activity. I dont think they can do entirely without the meds but a behavior modification program might benefit them.
I believe some of this problem could be handled by a better regimine. Such as certain times of the day and night to eat, bedtimes at the same time each nite and no sugar.
How do I get the mother to back me up in this regards?
The mom and dad are divorced. He is not in the picture at all except for child support as he can not handle the kids actions at all.
They are rude to their mother. Cussing and making rude noises at inappropriate times.
It seems they are better behaved when it is just myself and my husband with them. As we will not allow them to have access to the playstation or tv if that make "bad choices" regarding their behavior. Am I being way out of line?
Thanks for emailing me back
Posted by: cjm730
Posted on: 2004-09-25 19:16:06
Dear Dr. Phil,
I am new to this situation however, I have recently become a nanny to two boys who have both been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. The youngest one, Ty, age 9 also has Asberger's syndrom with auditory dyslexia.
Ian is 12 and very articulate for his age.
They both take meds in Am and Pm. I personally have noticed that if they dont take the meds they have behavor problems. Example anxiety, fighting, hyper-activity. I dont think they can do entirely without the meds but a behavior modification program might benefit them.
I believe some of this problem could be handled by a better regimine. Such as certain times of the day and night to eat, bedtimes at the same time each nite and no sugar.
How do I get the mother to back me up in this regards?
The mom and dad are divorced. He is not in the picture at all except for child support as he can not handle the kids actions at all.
They are rude to their mother. Cussing and making rude noises at inappropriate times.
It seems they are better behaved when it is just myself and my husband with them. As we will not allow them to have access to the playstation or tv if that make "bad choices" regarding their behavior. Am I being way out of line?
Thanks for emailing me back
Re:kids with ADHD and ADD
Posted by: tarjr1959
Posted on: 2004-09-25 23:00:49
I also have the two boys, the son 12 years old with AD/HD inattentive type and a son 11 years old AD/HD hyper impulsive type. I can tell you that medication when necessary is only 20 percent of the fix, and 80 percent of the fix is communication skills and listening skills that the children understand. My 11 year-old says it best, AD/HD hyper impulsive is not being able to think consequences quick enough. The medication just gives you a split second chance to think consequences. Learning how to think them is a parental job. If you are interested I can help you with some real good resources for learning these skills. It's very refreshing to see a nanny was such concern and interest I wish I had met you when my children were much younger.
Posted by: tarjr1959
Posted on: 2004-09-25 23:00:49
I also have the two boys, the son 12 years old with AD/HD inattentive type and a son 11 years old AD/HD hyper impulsive type. I can tell you that medication when necessary is only 20 percent of the fix, and 80 percent of the fix is communication skills and listening skills that the children understand. My 11 year-old says it best, AD/HD hyper impulsive is not being able to think consequences quick enough. The medication just gives you a split second chance to think consequences. Learning how to think them is a parental job. If you are interested I can help you with some real good resources for learning these skills. It's very refreshing to see a nanny was such concern and interest I wish I had met you when my children were much younger.
ADD/ADHD
Posted by: dscallon
Posted on: 2004-09-28 15:49:49
I believe there is research available regarding control of diet as an assistive tool for parents of children with ADD/ADHD. About 30 years ago, my nephew was diagnosed with what was then called 'hyperactivity' and Ritalin was prescribed. His parents fought that treatment and we did some research. At the time, some doctor's were suggesting diet modification as a powerful alternative to medication. All artificial colouring - especially RED (in vitamin pills, candies, treats, soda-pop) was removed from his diet.Refined sugar was eliminated. Cow's milk also eliminated. Natural ingredients were used in home baked bread, muffins, treats. No candy, chocolate or pre-processed foods were allowed. It was hard. Luckily, this stay-at-home mom had a little more time to pursue this avenue of treatment. The child was told he had an "allergy" to certain things, so he was able to participate in his own care and control. Consistency in handling his behaviour was mandatory, and both parents participated in a united front and communicated well. It wasn't easy, but it worked. Within a reasonable amount of time, the problem disappeared or was easily managed. A much better solution than medication. Perhaps someone else can comment on this.
Posted by: dscallon
Posted on: 2004-09-28 15:49:49
I believe there is research available regarding control of diet as an assistive tool for parents of children with ADD/ADHD. About 30 years ago, my nephew was diagnosed with what was then called 'hyperactivity' and Ritalin was prescribed. His parents fought that treatment and we did some research. At the time, some doctor's were suggesting diet modification as a powerful alternative to medication. All artificial colouring - especially RED (in vitamin pills, candies, treats, soda-pop) was removed from his diet.Refined sugar was eliminated. Cow's milk also eliminated. Natural ingredients were used in home baked bread, muffins, treats. No candy, chocolate or pre-processed foods were allowed. It was hard. Luckily, this stay-at-home mom had a little more time to pursue this avenue of treatment. The child was told he had an "allergy" to certain things, so he was able to participate in his own care and control. Consistency in handling his behaviour was mandatory, and both parents participated in a united front and communicated well. It wasn't easy, but it worked. Within a reasonable amount of time, the problem disappeared or was easily managed. A much better solution than medication. Perhaps someone else can comment on this.
You are so very correct!
Posted by: egallahan
Posted on: 2004-09-28 16:57:58
I think you are tight on the money! Have your Nephew tested for Celiac Disease. He is most likely Gluten Intolerant. Go to Celiac.com and you will find a wealth of information.
Posted by: egallahan
Posted on: 2004-09-28 16:57:58
I think you are tight on the money! Have your Nephew tested for Celiac Disease. He is most likely Gluten Intolerant. Go to Celiac.com and you will find a wealth of information.
ADD ADHD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Posted by: anon_slc
Posted on: 2004-09-29 08:06:04
Some additional reading which includes hard, visual data to make a compelling case for the existence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in this pioneering work by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Using a nuclear medicine technique called "single photon emission computed tomography" (SPECT).
Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD
Healing Anxiety And Depression by Daniel G., Md. Amen, Lisa C., M.D. Routh
Hope it helps!
Posted by: anon_slc
Posted on: 2004-09-29 08:06:04
Some additional reading which includes hard, visual data to make a compelling case for the existence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in this pioneering work by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Using a nuclear medicine technique called "single photon emission computed tomography" (SPECT).
Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD
Healing Anxiety And Depression by Daniel G., Md. Amen, Lisa C., M.D. Routh
Hope it helps!
SPECT scanning to diagnose
Posted by: julienarod
Posted on: 2004-09-29 23:43:02
Hi there-
We had our kids scanned with a SPECT at a place called Brain Matters in Denver, CO to help us see empirically if they had ADD/ADHD. They have the most advanced camera in the country and we were soooo pleased we did it. Not only did we get the confirmation that we were looking for, we also found out other things that were going on with them. It helped us to be able to differentiate between the things that are biologically based vs. those that are behavioral. Check out their website www.brainmattersinc.com and see the amazing technology that can help parents like us feel better about whether or not to put our children on medications. Hope it is helpful to you.
P.S. They have taken Dr. Amen's work to the next level at Brain Matters.
Posted by: julienarod
Posted on: 2004-09-29 23:43:02
Hi there-
We had our kids scanned with a SPECT at a place called Brain Matters in Denver, CO to help us see empirically if they had ADD/ADHD. They have the most advanced camera in the country and we were soooo pleased we did it. Not only did we get the confirmation that we were looking for, we also found out other things that were going on with them. It helped us to be able to differentiate between the things that are biologically based vs. those that are behavioral. Check out their website www.brainmattersinc.com and see the amazing technology that can help parents like us feel better about whether or not to put our children on medications. Hope it is helpful to you.
P.S. They have taken Dr. Amen's work to the next level at Brain Matters.
SPECT Scan
Posted by: janeprice
Posted on: 2004-09-30 07:43:10
Yes, a SPECT scan is a way to empirically see if a person had ADHD. The SPECT requires that the patient be injected with radioactive material. Another way that does not require radioactive material is a QEEG. No injection is necessary. Many ADHD/ADD treatment centers that treat using neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) first assess with the QEEG. You can assess with the QEEG where the brain's electrical activity is too high or too low giving the clinician and client a clearer picture of what kid of ADHD the person has and how it should be treated. Medications are effective around 60-65% of the time. Neurofeedback is effective around 80-85% of the time although there are some clinicians are achieving a higher success rate. I am a clinician who has an ADHD treatment center in a small southern town and I have had a great deal of success with the neurofeedback, however, I require that a QEEG is done before they start treatment. QEEG is non-invasive and takes a short time. Neurofeedback treatment is non invasive and as safe as playing a video game.
Posted by: janeprice
Posted on: 2004-09-30 07:43:10
Yes, a SPECT scan is a way to empirically see if a person had ADHD. The SPECT requires that the patient be injected with radioactive material. Another way that does not require radioactive material is a QEEG. No injection is necessary. Many ADHD/ADD treatment centers that treat using neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) first assess with the QEEG. You can assess with the QEEG where the brain's electrical activity is too high or too low giving the clinician and client a clearer picture of what kid of ADHD the person has and how it should be treated. Medications are effective around 60-65% of the time. Neurofeedback is effective around 80-85% of the time although there are some clinicians are achieving a higher success rate. I am a clinician who has an ADHD treatment center in a small southern town and I have had a great deal of success with the neurofeedback, however, I require that a QEEG is done before they start treatment. QEEG is non-invasive and takes a short time. Neurofeedback treatment is non invasive and as safe as playing a video game.
SPECT is more comprehensive
Posted by: julienarod
Posted on: 2004-10-01 22:43:26
While yes, my children did have to have an injection - the radiation exposure is less than a chest X-ray or a coast-to-coast airplane flight. Additionally, while a QEEG will give you a yes or no answer to whether your child appears to have ADHD, it will not give you any further information about potentially complicating co-existing disorders or dysfunctions. Most other disorders occur in parts of the brain that are deep in the middle - a QEEG does not accurately measure the activity within the brain. And in fact, research indicates that as much as 75% of kids with ADHD have a co-existing diagnosis.
My sister had her daughter assessed using a QEEG, which came up negative. So she found herself at square one - yes, at least she knew my niece didn't have ADHD, but she still didn't know what was wrong. She then had to go on to get a SPECT anyway to determine that her daughter was actually bipolar (which is very commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD - especially in kids). She would have saved herself time and money by just getting a SPECT to begin with. The biofeedback treatment is indeed very helpful and effective. But it is really important to know empirically what the diagnoses are. I would highly recommend SPECT to anyone who is concerned about really finding out ALL that is going on in how their child's brain is functioning/dysfunctioning.
Posted by: julienarod
Posted on: 2004-10-01 22:43:26
While yes, my children did have to have an injection - the radiation exposure is less than a chest X-ray or a coast-to-coast airplane flight. Additionally, while a QEEG will give you a yes or no answer to whether your child appears to have ADHD, it will not give you any further information about potentially complicating co-existing disorders or dysfunctions. Most other disorders occur in parts of the brain that are deep in the middle - a QEEG does not accurately measure the activity within the brain. And in fact, research indicates that as much as 75% of kids with ADHD have a co-existing diagnosis.
My sister had her daughter assessed using a QEEG, which came up negative. So she found herself at square one - yes, at least she knew my niece didn't have ADHD, but she still didn't know what was wrong. She then had to go on to get a SPECT anyway to determine that her daughter was actually bipolar (which is very commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD - especially in kids). She would have saved herself time and money by just getting a SPECT to begin with. The biofeedback treatment is indeed very helpful and effective. But it is really important to know empirically what the diagnoses are. I would highly recommend SPECT to anyone who is concerned about really finding out ALL that is going on in how their child's brain is functioning/dysfunctioning.
SPECT SCAN
Posted by: kmjoyner
Posted on: 2004-12-23 21:32:21
We had the spect scan done here in southern california at one of Dr. Amen's clinics. happy we did, but now the battle with our insurance. "kaiser" not going very well, they do not take these scans very good and feel they are a waste of money. I paid out of pocket. It did not give us anymore information but, the "why" for my son's behavior and now has sent us on yet another path to help out son who does not have ADD/ADHD. thanks for the info on Brain Matters I will check out there website. My friend had the scan done after 6 years of trying different meds. It allowed the doctors to change the meds and has turned his life around. (he has more than add)
Posted by: kmjoyner
Posted on: 2004-12-23 21:32:21
We had the spect scan done here in southern california at one of Dr. Amen's clinics. happy we did, but now the battle with our insurance. "kaiser" not going very well, they do not take these scans very good and feel they are a waste of money. I paid out of pocket. It did not give us anymore information but, the "why" for my son's behavior and now has sent us on yet another path to help out son who does not have ADD/ADHD. thanks for the info on Brain Matters I will check out there website. My friend had the scan done after 6 years of trying different meds. It allowed the doctors to change the meds and has turned his life around. (he has more than add)
i feel you are wrong
Posted by: hockey9399
Posted on: 2004-12-23 15:13:38
i have a son who is 14 and he was diganosed with adhd when he was four i am a stay at home mom and to this day we watch his dye and preserves in take anything made with red , purple or orange dye he goes crazy like rickashea rabbit we have him playing ice hockey to get his anger and hyperness out and to make him more hyper during the game we have him eat spaghetti with red sauce and drink red fruit punch gatoraid
i make everything from scratch to help him stay calm it is also better for him my son takes magnesium asporotate to help him to stay focus on and off the ice i guess u can call me cheap to my daughter is the same way but reacts to orange dye only and she is 17 yrs old and is add
Posted by: hockey9399
Posted on: 2004-12-23 15:13:38
i have a son who is 14 and he was diganosed with adhd when he was four i am a stay at home mom and to this day we watch his dye and preserves in take anything made with red , purple or orange dye he goes crazy like rickashea rabbit we have him playing ice hockey to get his anger and hyperness out and to make him more hyper during the game we have him eat spaghetti with red sauce and drink red fruit punch gatoraid
i make everything from scratch to help him stay calm it is also better for him my son takes magnesium asporotate to help him to stay focus on and off the ice i guess u can call me cheap to my daughter is the same way but reacts to orange dye only and she is 17 yrs old and is add
Doesn't Work For Everyone
Posted by: poetmom
Posted on: 2004-09-28 20:22:54
Our entire family went on this diet to try to help my daughter. We were on it for a year, as well as continuing behavior modification techniques and therapy, and her symptoms got worse over that time instead of better. So, while I am glad it worked for your nephew, just know that not all cases are the same, and there is no "one size fits all" solution.
Posted by: poetmom
Posted on: 2004-09-28 20:22:54
Our entire family went on this diet to try to help my daughter. We were on it for a year, as well as continuing behavior modification techniques and therapy, and her symptoms got worse over that time instead of better. So, while I am glad it worked for your nephew, just know that not all cases are the same, and there is no "one size fits all" solution.
I agree
Posted by: mblmhm
Posted on: 2004-10-03 09:13:30
I agree. We have done the changing of our diets, no sugar, no caffeine, no dairy, no gluten, etc. We have been through hell trying to do all the tight schedules and military-style living. Nothing worked. I have four children, and we have been through so much stress trying to do all the non-medication theories and behaviors and change of lifestyles.
My son has ADD in which he is above intelligence, but disorganized in his thinking. There are no behavior problems at all, and he is a sweet and spiritual child. He is 12, succeeding in junior high and basketball. However, in the classroom, he has to be constantly moving in order to concentrate. He gets up to get a drink, sharpen his pencil, etc., so we finally gave him a Koosh ball to play with in his left hand while he writes and thinks, and this has helped along with Concerta. He knows the difference when he takes his meds or not, and does so much better personally with Concerta. His thinking processes are clearer, and he is more organized.
None of the diets, behavior modifications (even though his psych and md didn't believe he needed any because of his behavior already) worked, but the meds did.
There is no one size fits all. I believe we all need to keep others needs in mind, rather than trying to shove our own agendas on others. Sort of like the working Moms vs the Stay at home moms.
Posted by: mblmhm
Posted on: 2004-10-03 09:13:30
I agree. We have done the changing of our diets, no sugar, no caffeine, no dairy, no gluten, etc. We have been through hell trying to do all the tight schedules and military-style living. Nothing worked. I have four children, and we have been through so much stress trying to do all the non-medication theories and behaviors and change of lifestyles.
My son has ADD in which he is above intelligence, but disorganized in his thinking. There are no behavior problems at all, and he is a sweet and spiritual child. He is 12, succeeding in junior high and basketball. However, in the classroom, he has to be constantly moving in order to concentrate. He gets up to get a drink, sharpen his pencil, etc., so we finally gave him a Koosh ball to play with in his left hand while he writes and thinks, and this has helped along with Concerta. He knows the difference when he takes his meds or not, and does so much better personally with Concerta. His thinking processes are clearer, and he is more organized.
None of the diets, behavior modifications (even though his psych and md didn't believe he needed any because of his behavior already) worked, but the meds did.
There is no one size fits all. I believe we all need to keep others needs in mind, rather than trying to shove our own agendas on others. Sort of like the working Moms vs the Stay at home moms.
ADD/ADHD
Posted by: football72
Posted on: 2004-12-23 11:35:28
Dr. Phil my husband and I went through this with our oldest child 14yrs ago. At the time we felt that our son did not need to be on drugs and we tried to fight this with the teachers and the school board. We were also told that if we did not put him on medication he would not be allowed to return to school. Needless to say we did as they ask and for the next three years our son was stoned out of his head. By a miracle and I say this because we were at the end of our rope because he did not need this medication. We got hin in a regular class with a wonderful teacher. The first thing she told us at our parent meeting was to take him off this medication, there was nothing wrong with him except he was a highly intelligent child that needed the right teacher to help him. She also thold us she would back us with the school board and anyone else. Needless to say our son went on in school the top of his class all through elementary and middle school took honors classes in high school and is now going to college to become a teacher. If it had not been for this teacher he wouold have stayed on this medication all through school. We also took him to several doctors before he was put on medication. The last doctor he saw had every teacher that came into contact with him during the day to do a questionar. After this was done we were told our son really never needed the medication to begin with, he was just an intelligent child that hated to do review work. Thank you Dr. Phil for doing shows like this.
Posted by: football72
Posted on: 2004-12-23 11:35:28
Dr. Phil my husband and I went through this with our oldest child 14yrs ago. At the time we felt that our son did not need to be on drugs and we tried to fight this with the teachers and the school board. We were also told that if we did not put him on medication he would not be allowed to return to school. Needless to say we did as they ask and for the next three years our son was stoned out of his head. By a miracle and I say this because we were at the end of our rope because he did not need this medication. We got hin in a regular class with a wonderful teacher. The first thing she told us at our parent meeting was to take him off this medication, there was nothing wrong with him except he was a highly intelligent child that needed the right teacher to help him. She also thold us she would back us with the school board and anyone else. Needless to say our son went on in school the top of his class all through elementary and middle school took honors classes in high school and is now going to college to become a teacher. If it had not been for this teacher he wouold have stayed on this medication all through school. We also took him to several doctors before he was put on medication. The last doctor he saw had every teacher that came into contact with him during the day to do a questionar. After this was done we were told our son really never needed the medication to begin with, he was just an intelligent child that hated to do review work. Thank you Dr. Phil for doing shows like this.
add/adhd diet
Posted by: slperry68
Posted on: 2004-09-29 17:50:21
My son wasn't officially diagnosed w/ADD or ADHD - only because I was afraid to take him for an evaluation!! I knew that would be the answer and they'd prescribe meds. As my last hope - I tried the Feingold diet. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe the changes we've seen in him. For more information - go to www.feingold.org
Posted by: slperry68
Posted on: 2004-09-29 17:50:21
My son wasn't officially diagnosed w/ADD or ADHD - only because I was afraid to take him for an evaluation!! I knew that would be the answer and they'd prescribe meds. As my last hope - I tried the Feingold diet. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe the changes we've seen in him. For more information - go to www.feingold.org
diet vs. meds
Posted by: mo2spnb
Posted on: 2004-09-29 22:44:35
Hum let me see the research you were quoting is at least 30 years ago. If it worked for you then great. But let me tell you about some more research that has been done just in the last few years. It has been proven that sugar, dyes and such do not affect ADD/ADHD. In fact there was a study done that proved alot of the time these things actually have a reverse reaction on true AD/HD and actually can help to calm them and make them less hyper.
As for medicating it has been the only thing that worked with my boys. And I have tried it all.
And I would much rather medicate them, so that they can be still and consentrate and learn and get an education rather than not medicate and them never learn anything.
Posted by: mo2spnb
Posted on: 2004-09-29 22:44:35
Hum let me see the research you were quoting is at least 30 years ago. If it worked for you then great. But let me tell you about some more research that has been done just in the last few years. It has been proven that sugar, dyes and such do not affect ADD/ADHD. In fact there was a study done that proved alot of the time these things actually have a reverse reaction on true AD/HD and actually can help to calm them and make them less hyper.
As for medicating it has been the only thing that worked with my boys. And I have tried it all.
And I would much rather medicate them, so that they can be still and consentrate and learn and get an education rather than not medicate and them never learn anything.
diet vs meds
Posted by: awdesigns8
Posted on: 2004-10-01 13:33:40
i was reading what you said about your boys but i can say diet might work and just being calm in parenting too. no yelling all the time and just understanding . its hard to but your kids on meds. because of the side affect it can cause .. thtas the last thing we want to do .. im going to try every thing first. like doctor phill said the only way to see if your child has add or adhd is for a eeg or spectergram .. you have to see a neurologist to do that then go from there. in the schools they should try to help your child cope with mabe not focusing , off task and just not doing work as some of the other children can every child is different. we teach my son at home and then he goes to school to learn with the teacher. i'm thinking on home schooling him tooo . i hope reading this you learned a little bit more and just try other things too . i know your a loving mom.. god bless..
Posted by: awdesigns8
Posted on: 2004-10-01 13:33:40
i was reading what you said about your boys but i can say diet might work and just being calm in parenting too. no yelling all the time and just understanding . its hard to but your kids on meds. because of the side affect it can cause .. thtas the last thing we want to do .. im going to try every thing first. like doctor phill said the only way to see if your child has add or adhd is for a eeg or spectergram .. you have to see a neurologist to do that then go from there. in the schools they should try to help your child cope with mabe not focusing , off task and just not doing work as some of the other children can every child is different. we teach my son at home and then he goes to school to learn with the teacher. i'm thinking on home schooling him tooo . i hope reading this you learned a little bit more and just try other things too . i know your a loving mom.. god bless..
Meds vs Side affects
Posted by: rmrybo
Posted on: 2004-10-02 00:43:57
Judging by your comments im assuming that your children are having trouble focusing in school or getting into trouble at school.I too face this problem with my 12 year old son. recently i did some serious research into some of the side affects of his medication as he had been taking it for a number of years and did not seem to be having much of an impact any more.
I am not a big fan of medication to begin with and believe there had been a misdiagnosis.
anyways...to the point. He is currently OFF the medication Risperdal He's taking a Handful of vitamins every day including effelax, amino acids, multi vitamins, vitamin C, Calcium magnesium, and a product called Carnosine proven to help improve brain function (rather than supress it with meds).
Risperdal (risperidone)Has some terrible side affects including seizures ,blackouts,anxiety attacks, it can cause diabetis, cause lactating breasts....to name a few. I think that the Cumaltive affects of these drugs can cause some serious health risks later on down the road. You Can Bet the makers of this drug will downplay all of these affects as this drug alone makes the company 2 billion YES BILLION a year. Cudos To Dr Phil...Lets focus on the REAL Problems and not just look for that miracle Magic wonder pill that will fix all of lifes problems.
Quick note: Since stopping his meds and taking his vitamin cocktail he is doing Great in school and has mellowed substantially.
Posted by: rmrybo
Posted on: 2004-10-02 00:43:57
Judging by your comments im assuming that your children are having trouble focusing in school or getting into trouble at school.I too face this problem with my 12 year old son. recently i did some serious research into some of the side affects of his medication as he had been taking it for a number of years and did not seem to be having much of an impact any more.
I am not a big fan of medication to begin with and believe there had been a misdiagnosis.
anyways...to the point. He is currently OFF the medication Risperdal He's taking a Handful of vitamins every day including effelax, amino acids, multi vitamins, vitamin C, Calcium magnesium, and a product called Carnosine proven to help improve brain function (rather than supress it with meds).
Risperdal (risperidone)Has some terrible side affects including seizures ,blackouts,anxiety attacks, it can cause diabetis, cause lactating breasts....to name a few. I think that the Cumaltive affects of these drugs can cause some serious health risks later on down the road. You Can Bet the makers of this drug will downplay all of these affects as this drug alone makes the company 2 billion YES BILLION a year. Cudos To Dr Phil...Lets focus on the REAL Problems and not just look for that miracle Magic wonder pill that will fix all of lifes problems.
Quick note: Since stopping his meds and taking his vitamin cocktail he is doing Great in school and has mellowed substantially.
Good choice!
Posted by: klbeattie
Posted on: 2004-10-03 15:32:13
I am so glad to hear that you took your son off risperdal. I am a counselor for children and I have such concern over kids being prescribed this med. I see so many negative side effects of it. It's also used to lessen aggression and psychotic symptoms primarily in adults, so it is a very heavy drug for kids. If I went to a psychiatrist or neurologist and they told me to give my child this drug for ADHD/ADD, I would most definately get a second opinion.
Posted by: klbeattie
Posted on: 2004-10-03 15:32:13
I am so glad to hear that you took your son off risperdal. I am a counselor for children and I have such concern over kids being prescribed this med. I see so many negative side effects of it. It's also used to lessen aggression and psychotic symptoms primarily in adults, so it is a very heavy drug for kids. If I went to a psychiatrist or neurologist and they told me to give my child this drug for ADHD/ADD, I would most definately get a second opinion.
don't be quick to judge
Posted by: mabeaudr
Posted on: 2004-10-17 08:44:25
Yes, I agree there are many kids out there that are probrably overmedicated. But believe me when I say not all of them are. My son is ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive, Tourettes and to top it all off he has Epilepsy.
His behavioural mood swings are scary, even for a 10 year old. He was prescribed Risperidol for his aggressive behaviour last year. I decreased his dosage this summer while he was out of school, and let me tell you that it wasn't the best idea. He got very aggressive, moody, would be out of control. Then I started to give him the dosage recommended by his behavioural specialist and it was like night and day. He calmed down. Was more docile and able to control his anger.
People are too quick to judge who's right and who's wrong when it comes to prescribing medications. I've had many people see my son in action with and without his medications and they could see for themselves the overwhelming change in his behaviour when he didn't receive the medications he needed to help him concentrate, calm down and sleep at night.
He used to bang his head on the wall as a toddler and I would ask him why he was doing that....he said he was trying to stop all the ideas in his head from rushing in, he couldn't think, too many thoughts at one time. It was driving him crazy. He would move around constantly, not able to finish what he started, including sentences or day to day activities. You could tell that he was struggling to deal with the thoughts all at once.
Vitamins and natural foods are fine for those kids who are on the edge of the ADHD spectrum and don't have associated disorders, but I don't aggree that all natural foods and no sugar is the answer for everyone.
With the medications, he's able to sit down and watch his favourite t.v. shows, go outside and play with his friends (and not be looked upon as a friek because he can't finish a sentence)....a more normal life for my son is better dealt with with medication then torturing him by treating him with diets only.
Don't get me wrong, I watch his diet as well. A combination of meds and a good diet is always a good idea. All children should be on a good nutritional diet with little or moderated amounts of sugar.
I erks me when people are quick to judge me and my son when I tell them he's ADHD and on medications. The judgemental looks I get and the comments about ADHD kids being over medicated.
Like the old saying goes...don't judge someone unless you've walked a mile in their shoes...
Posted by: mabeaudr
Posted on: 2004-10-17 08:44:25
Yes, I agree there are many kids out there that are probrably overmedicated. But believe me when I say not all of them are. My son is ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive, Tourettes and to top it all off he has Epilepsy.
His behavioural mood swings are scary, even for a 10 year old. He was prescribed Risperidol for his aggressive behaviour last year. I decreased his dosage this summer while he was out of school, and let me tell you that it wasn't the best idea. He got very aggressive, moody, would be out of control. Then I started to give him the dosage recommended by his behavioural specialist and it was like night and day. He calmed down. Was more docile and able to control his anger.
People are too quick to judge who's right and who's wrong when it comes to prescribing medications. I've had many people see my son in action with and without his medications and they could see for themselves the overwhelming change in his behaviour when he didn't receive the medications he needed to help him concentrate, calm down and sleep at night.
He used to bang his head on the wall as a toddler and I would ask him why he was doing that....he said he was trying to stop all the ideas in his head from rushing in, he couldn't think, too many thoughts at one time. It was driving him crazy. He would move around constantly, not able to finish what he started, including sentences or day to day activities. You could tell that he was struggling to deal with the thoughts all at once.
Vitamins and natural foods are fine for those kids who are on the edge of the ADHD spectrum and don't have associated disorders, but I don't aggree that all natural foods and no sugar is the answer for everyone.
With the medications, he's able to sit down and watch his favourite t.v. shows, go outside and play with his friends (and not be looked upon as a friek because he can't finish a sentence)....a more normal life for my son is better dealt with with medication then torturing him by treating him with diets only.
Don't get me wrong, I watch his diet as well. A combination of meds and a good diet is always a good idea. All children should be on a good nutritional diet with little or moderated amounts of sugar.
I erks me when people are quick to judge me and my son when I tell them he's ADHD and on medications. The judgemental looks I get and the comments about ADHD kids being over medicated.
Like the old saying goes...don't judge someone unless you've walked a mile in their shoes...
I have walked in your shoes
Posted by: hylands
Posted on: 2004-12-22 15:23:55
I have a 12 year old son with ADHD. He has also been diagnosed with ODD and anxiety disorders.
He banged his head when he was a toddler and we struggled through with him until he was finally diagnosed at the age of 7. We (my husband and I) did not want him to be on medication for fear that he would become a zombie, as well as the possible side effects. Soon we realised that if he was to have some sort of quality of life we would have to try meds. What a difference!
We have tried everything in hopes that eventually he would not have to take medication - diet, counselling both inpatient and outpatient, anger management classes and working with his school. We also tried him without medication (during out-of-school times) and OH MY GOD! He would talk loud and a million miles an hour. He could not sit still or do the things he enjoyed the best. Zero concentration! He could not even get along with others and became very angry and this would eventually lead to depression. What quality of life is that? No child deserves to feel that way or be so depressed that he says he doesn't know how much longer he can go on.
Needless to say, he is back on his meds. Don't get me wrong, medication is not entirely the answer but sometimes it is necessary.
To sum things up, I don't believe that all children with ADHD etc. should be slotted into the same place. Meds may help and they may not. BUT JUDGING PARENTS OR THEIR CHILDREN FOR BEING ON MEDICATION - "walk a mile in our shoes" and I guarantee you will get a different view!
BL
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posted by: hylands
Posted on: 2004-12-22 15:23:55
I have a 12 year old son with ADHD. He has also been diagnosed with ODD and anxiety disorders.
He banged his head when he was a toddler and we struggled through with him until he was finally diagnosed at the age of 7. We (my husband and I) did not want him to be on medication for fear that he would become a zombie, as well as the possible side effects. Soon we realised that if he was to have some sort of quality of life we would have to try meds. What a difference!
We have tried everything in hopes that eventually he would not have to take medication - diet, counselling both inpatient and outpatient, anger management classes and working with his school. We also tried him without medication (during out-of-school times) and OH MY GOD! He would talk loud and a million miles an hour. He could not sit still or do the things he enjoyed the best. Zero concentration! He could not even get along with others and became very angry and this would eventually lead to depression. What quality of life is that? No child deserves to feel that way or be so depressed that he says he doesn't know how much longer he can go on.
Needless to say, he is back on his meds. Don't get me wrong, medication is not entirely the answer but sometimes it is necessary.
To sum things up, I don't believe that all children with ADHD etc. should be slotted into the same place. Meds may help and they may not. BUT JUDGING PARENTS OR THEIR CHILDREN FOR BEING ON MEDICATION - "walk a mile in our shoes" and I guarantee you will get a different view!
BL
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
