How to decide if I should put my child on medication for ADHD

So. You either suspect your child has ADHD or you have an official diagnosis. The teacher at school is urging you to put him on medication but your best friend says "diet" is the way to treat your child's ADHD.
To medicate or not isn't an easy decision to make. Here's a few things to consider that may help you in the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nothing

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF
   Read, read, read! If there is one thing you must read about - this one is it. Medicating for ADHD is a serious decisions but thankfully, the Internet makes your research a whole lot easier.
   
   Start with Google and go from there. It goes without saying information on the Internet needs to be verified. There's plenty of misinformation and nonsense out there on ADHD. And because the argument for or against medicating can be very emotional, it is critical that you educate
   yourself before engaging in any dialogue on it.

2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A SUPPORT SYSTEM
   While you're educating yourself, it is imperative that you find people that will be supportive of WHATEVER decision you chose. If you're child's teacher is frazzled and pushing Ritalin, she's probably not a good one to listen to.
   Find other parents who've walked through this process and ask for their input....the good, the bad, the ugly.

3. CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS
   Medication is not a quick fix. But you knew that already didn't you? Even if you chose to medicate, it only serves as one piece of the puzzle in helping your child and your family cope with ADHD.
   Take stock of your diet and lifestyle. Are you too busy? Does your child think that food comes through a window?

Tips & Warnings

• Remember- YOU are the expert on your child. Don't be intimidated by your doctor, the teacher or the candlestick maker...NO ONE knows your child better than you.
• TAKE YOUR TIME in making your decision. I'm sorry the teacher is wigged out with your child's energy...don't be pressured into a decisions you're not ready to make
• YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE YOUR MIND- choosing to give meds a try isn't a forever proposition. You're exploring options and that may mean stopping meds if you're not convinced it's the best course of action.
• This is not to be taken as medical advice but only a few hints to help you engage in a dialog with your doctor or other medical professional.

Resources

• The Mother Lode- Discover the Treasure in Your Child

[kaldrich88]

on 7/29/2009 How to decide if I should put my child on medication for ADHD is such a helpful and informative article. thanks for the great advice 5*

[motherlode]

on 7/28/2009 Thank you so much, Visualmix! I hope things work out well for your boy! Sometimes it takes tweaking to get just the right combination. Good luck to you.

[visualmix]

on 7/28/2009 This requires a lot of thought, I just had to place my son on medication.. great article...5*