How to Tell Whether to Medicate Your Child for ADHD

One of the most difficult decisions for a parent of a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) faces is whether or not to medicate the child. So much conflicting information exists, and many people have an agenda to keep children off medication at any cost. Unless a person has lived with a child with ADHD, that person cannot possibly understand the stress involved in trying to parent a child with limited impulse control. If you feel as if you have exhausted all other resources and are struggling with the decision of medicating your child for ADHD, here is how to make that decision.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn all you can about ways to manage ADHD. Read online articles about ADHD, and talk to people who are parenting children with ADHD. Pay attention to any advice offered to help redirect or manage the behavior of a child with ADHD.

2. Try using alternatives to medication first. Many resources offer alternatives to medication, from giving the child homeopathic remedies or fish oils to using various forms of discipline or enrolling the child in a karate class. Some of these methods work with some children, so it is worth trying them out on your child before turning to medication.

3. Assess how the ADHD is affecting your child's self-image. Does your child feel like he is "bad" because he is in trouble so frequently? Do other children reject your child because of his behaviors? It is better to medicate a child for ADHD than for him to believe that he is a bad kid.

4. Determine how much the ADHD is affecting your child's ability to succeed in school. Many children with ADHD are bright, but their inability to focus causes them to do poorly in school. It is better to medicate a child for ADHD than to have her fail at school and question her own intelligence.

5. Think about how much the ADHD is affecting your family. Do you frequently find yourself wanting to be away from your child? Do you yell at your child on a regular basis because he does not seem to hear you otherwise? How much time in an average day do you spend in a loving relationship with your child? It is better to medicate a child for ADHD than to have your relationship break down as a result of his behaviors.

6. Research ADHD medications. Many people who are opposed to medicating children for ADHD point to the fact that most ADHD medications are Class II controlled substances. Ritalin and many other ADHD medications are stimulants, but they have the opposite effect on children with ADHD, causing them to calm down rather than become more hyperactive. If you feel uncomfortable with giving your child a stimulant, other medications have become available to treat ADHD that are not stimulants.

7. Spend time with children who are medicated for ADHD. Many parents fear that their active child will turn into a zombie if given ADHD medication. Spending time with a child who is successfully managing her ADHD behaviors with medications can help alleviate your fears.

8. Find a doctor who specializes in medicating children for ADHD. While your pediatrician can write a prescription for ADHD medication, you might feel more comfortable working with a doctor who specializes in medicating children for ADHD, such as a child psychiatrist. The specialist will have a better idea about what medications might work for your child and will be on the lookout for side effects.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor with any questions or concerns about ADHD. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.