Why so many kids on meds???

[lnh'smom]

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

I guarantee that most of us who have our kids on meds aren't doing it so they can be in a higher reading group.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Again I an not judging the parents, we have been raised in a time where there is a pill to fix everything & everyone wants to keep up w/ the Jones's and there kids to keep up w/ the Jones's kids. It is just the norm now and I guess this is the world as we know it now. There are more people on antidepressants than not..they are prescribed for quitting smoking, insomnia, pms, you name it. My aunt is on them because she wasn't happy, well she still has an unfaithful nasty husband & kids who talk down to her, but now she doen't care that much!! Is that a solution She tried going off of them & experienced "brain zaps" & scary thoughts. This is not a crazy woman, this is a person given medicine instead of fixing the problem( her life) I know I am going off topic a little but instead of being defensive I wish people would just do research on these side effects, it is very eye opening!!

Wait a minute. You're suggesting that all these parents just had their children put on these medications without researching the side effects?! How very presumptuous of you. My children are not on any medication, but you better believe I'd research it first and I'd be willing to bet, so would at least 95% of the parents on this board.

Why don't you try and see things through others' eyes before you make such rude assumptions.

 

[mm_ja]

"I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment."

You are heading down a slippery slope here. I certainly hope it wasnt your intention to stir the pot here and get everybody riled up. That being said, caner treatments have their purpose, reasons for taking them, decision process for taking them, and side effects. The same can be said for ADHD medication, blood pressure medication, as well as over the counter medication.

If the simple act of taking stimulants got kids better grades I would be taking them myself to improve my daily work product.

 

[3jsmommy]

I do not think all parents would give their children drugs w/ out research. I think most people trust their doctors & doctors get most of their info from Drug reps who work for companies who have one objective..their bottom line. I guess the millions of dollars they spend every year in advertising & marketing is paying off. I feel really bad for any parent who has a child w/ a behavioral problem, having worked in the medical field I have all the respect in the world for parents of children who are sick in any way, there is nothing harder or more heart breaking..I posted this on the family board so people w/ children would think twice before not listening to their own instincts & jumping on the drug bandwagon... I guess I am not helping since everyone is so defensive.. I just hope the trend starts to go in the other direction, but w/ the power of the Pharma. companies ...doubt it..

 

[lnh'smom]

people w/ children would think twice before not listening to their own instincts & jumping on the drug bandwagon... I guess I am not helping since everyone is so defensive..

yea, we just jumped on the bandwagon cause everyone else was doing it. We thought it would be lots of fun. Criticizing people's parenting without knowing the facts, yea, that isn't helping and does make people defensive.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

Who said that? These parents are speaking of their child who has a disorder. Medication and therapy help the child work to his/her potential. Sure, they may go up a reading group or two, because the medicine is doing it's job and working against the disorder. It's fixing things that the disorder "breaks."

I agree it's over prescribed, but I seriously doubt that it's prescribed so junior can be in the same reading group as the next door neighbor's kid. Give me a break. For someone who is acting like people are so naiive, you sure are making a lot of assumptions and acting quite naiive, yourself.

 

[slmcn66]

Wow. definitely a heated topic which happens to be one I am currently facing. My son age 10 has some social/neurological/biological disorders. Not really sure what the best terms are to use. Especially since the diagnosis are ever evolving just like his body. He has symptoms of OCD, GAD, ODD, low blood sugar. Many times these disorders are all tied together. To date we have not used any mediciation. We have opted to try a cognitive behavioral approach. In many instances we have been successful. He performs very well and at school is not considered a "discipline" problem. However, there are perfect storms and when they occur he has a very difficult time controlling his anger - it is very scary. We are now debating medication, because his problems are beginning to effect his life on a larger scale. Not sure which is more harmful: his self-esteem deflating because of his worries/paranoias (sp?) and difficulting continuing friendships or the possible long-term side effects of meds. His possible anger outbursts effect our family as a whole which includes his 2 sisters. They love him dearly and I hate for that relationship to be compromised.

As for judgement - does it really matter. What I choose to do in my home is what matters to me and I cannot expect everyone else to agree, but I do hope that those I choose as my friends continue to be supportive. I also think there is nothing wrong with the question - should we medicate. You never know until you have walked in that individuals shoes.

 

[dhardawa]

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD this past spring. I think until you have a child with something like this, you shouldn't judge parents who choose medication. I had known for years that she probably had it but didn't want to be one of "those parents" running around looking for an ADHD diagnosis. When she started first grade it became apparent that something had to give. She couldn't sit in her seat and would often pace while the teacher talked. When she would try to read, her legs would bounce and she would ask me to put my leg over them to pin them down because she couldn't stop doing it. She had problems with papers that had different sections with different instructions. Even though she knew how to do the work, she was failing because after the teacher explained the first section, she would start working and miss the instructions for the other sections. There were also often time when she would simply forget to do half of a test. This is just the tip of the iceberg but examples of how she was functioning.

I took her to a psychologist and after many hours of testing, he diagnosed her with ADHD. We attempted behavior modification for a few months, but it backfired and many times the negative attention she got from doing things she shouldn't do reinforced them and she got worse. We finally decided to try medication.

The day she started the medication was amazing. She came home from school and sat and colored and made kites with some craft supplies. She went to being a straight A student and actually enjoyed things like reading. She is certainly not a zombie. The medication took her from just being everywhere mentally and physically back down to a normal range.

 

[Liberty Belle]

deleted!

 

[slmcn66]

Ok - just needed to add - "jumping on the bandwagon". Does treating a child for 6 years with a cog/beh approach and then deciding to supplement with meds count as "Jumping on the Bandwagon"?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

[/COLOR]

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

No one said anything about "being in a higher reading group". It is obvious that no matter what everyone is saying to you about this you are going to think that you are right and everyone else is wrong.
No one puts their children on medicine because they are too active. I have 2 boys and 5 nephews. I know what very active children are like. There is a VERY BIG difference between an active child and a child with a disability such as ADD, OCD, or even Autism. These are not made up disibilities. Unfortunately it is a reality that some of us have to deal with. But fortunately God has given doctors the knowledge and wisdom to help these children. As I said before, the decision to try the medicine was not made lightly. It only came after a lot of prayer, the school's help, and the doctor's help. Luckily we had no side effects. Obviously if we had we would not have continued the medicine. People respond different to medications - whether it's for ADD or cancer. We all know that.
All I can say is that it is very unfortunate that we are doing what we know to be right for our children and yet we have to put up with the ignorance of someone like you.

 

[Deb8821]

I have 2 children "requiring" meds. I have researched it, done all the testing, thought it through and made the best possible decision for my children. If you don't use meds fine for you and your family. Until you have actually lived in my house with my children and seen how hard it can be for them and the struggle they go through to get through a day I really am not interested in your "just say no to drugs" theme.

Any one dealing with this daily with a child will tell you drugs are not a cureall. How I wish it was that simple! But they are a helpful piece of the treatment puzzle. I do what is best for my family and make the most intelligent decisions regarding their health and well being that I can.

 

[mm_ja]

Hang on, Im getting confused. Who should I be getting angry at?

Parents
Teachers/Schools
Doctors
Pharmaceutical companies
The Jones
Myself
Scientologists

 

[devotedchristian]

OP, I completely agree with you and I do not find your thread to be judgemental.

I talk at length about this very same issue with my best friend who used to be a DAFACS (Department of Family and Children Services) worker.

And after reviewing each case (she has to approve them for Social Security Disability Benefits), she felt like that.

 

[PrincessMom4]

I think medication has been overused in SOME case, NOT all... We always have a "choice", but the medication is only a temporary solution. Behaviour modification is what is needed (or at least in my daughter's case). It's not that my daughter is not learning, but her outburst are causing a lot of distruption. Would you allow a child who has allergies or asthma (or whatever condition) to go with out meds and hope things go for the best... Unless you have a child with ODD, add, or adhd, you can't imagine what it is like to live with a child that has it. Remember it is not the easiest decision for a parent to make. If I could wave a wand and make it go away I would or cut my arm off to make her life better I would.

 

[3jsmommy]

I never personally insulted or judged any of you, I don't know why you feel the need to do so w/ me. If you would like more info try Googling Dr Peter Breggin or Drugawareness. If you read my OP I never was referring to special needs children, only the recent surge in the use of these drugs, & as I am sure is not the case w/ anyone here as a pp stated some people take them just for scholastic improvement. The brain is so delicate I would hope the side effects were worth it. I wish everyone of your children all the health & happiness in the world truly..

 

[princesskimberella]

Wow how can you say you are not being judgmental, to even ask that question, how did you think everyone would feel, and to question why we are all so defensive, these are our children you are talking about. Do you think we would put our children in danger just ot have them in a higher reading group. You obviously have not had to deal with a child who comes home cryng because he can not stay focuses, has such bad anxiety that he tells you his feet and hand tingle and his heart beats out of his chest when taking a simple spelling test. That he really wants to focus on his math but the light buzzzing are hurting his ears. Be THANKFUL you do NOT have to put your children on meds. My son is 7 and we have been researching and testing for the past 2 years before we decided to try the medication route. My son aslo has Low growth hormome and it was a very big concern about his weight and my Ped has been with us every step of the way. During htre school year he takes Medidate and has done wonderfully on it and is so much happier. It has NOT changed his personality and did not effect his appetite. Now we did try Ritlan fo rhis summer reading clinic and it was bad, it took him off ASAP and we are working on going without for the summer and he is doing well. We also see a therapist and that has also helped with hi self esteem.
I do agree that there is a rise in the amount of children that are on medication. I am starting to research this, I know there is alot that says there is a link with the food we eat all the chemical and stuff. But I also think that we know alot more about ADD, ADHD, ODD, OCD etc and how to help those that suffer, rather then sweep these children under the rug or lable them as the "bad" kids. I just think people are also more open about it and not tend to hide the fact that thier child need meds, which is how I remember it when I was in school.

 

[JESW]

Be VERY thankful that your children are only energetic and don't need medication.

Don't think that those of us who medicate our children take it lightly.
Don't judge us unless you walk in our shoes and live in our homes.

My ds12 is not ADD but is an asperger's kid. At 9 years old he used to hide between his box spring and mattress and tell us he wanted to die. We had a hard time getting him to school every morning. He had horrible, horrible rages. I have another child, a daughter 4 years younger, who I had to think of and protect.

What would YOU have done?? Send him outside to run around? Do you think that would have helped??

Our son has been through very intensive testing twice - once in 3rd grade and just recently in 6th grade when they could test for more. Our son has been to a therapist, a psychologist and is currently seeing a psychiatrist every month to moniter his meds. Two years ago we had a brain scan done and he underwent bio-feedback for a year. We have also given him Omega-3 meds.

Our son also has learning disabilities so schooling has been tough. In March we moved him to a school that specializes in kids with issues like his - that was after MANY programs implemented by his public school, having him pulled out for certain classes and then having a one-on-one aide for the day. Still not enough.

Can you see that we TRIED everything that we knew of? Can you see that he NEEDED medication to help him (and us) get through the day? He no longer talks about killing himself. The meds help him get through the day and everything involved. His current school is helping him with a lot of other issues - they were a godsend and the people there are awesome!

You can't see or tell how upset I get when I write these things about my own son. When people judge others about their choice to medicate their children it strikes a chord in so many of us. Again, be thankful, very thankful, that it is not a choice you had to make.

Jill

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I often think is it the kids w/ the problem or the parents?
It seems like a lot of parents just have that mindset that giving your kid meds is good for them, so this makes you a good responsible parent . I just hope this trend turns around a little & parents, schools & Dr.s put this into perspective..just say no...to all drugs!

I do think that children are over diagnosed & it is more of a problem of schools & society putting pressure on parents to make sure all kids fit their "mold".

in such a short time it seems that a huge percentage of our population is on meds or thinks nothing of going on them.. that worries me

everyone wants to keep up w/ the Jones's and there kids to keep up w/ the Jones's kids. It is just the norm now and I guess this is the world as we know it now.
I know I am going off topic a little but instead of being defensive I wish people would just do research on these side effects, it is very eye opening!!

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

I posted this on the family board so people w/ children would think twice before not listening to their own instincts & jumping on the drug bandwagon... QUOTE]


You're not insulting anybody???

I am done with this thread. And NO, you have not helped anybody. I am just sorry for all who had to be subjected to this!

 

[barkley]

I am saying that giving kids stimulants so they can be in a higher reading group in school is nothing like a cancer treatment.

anyone who does it for this purpose is severly lacking as a parent in SO many ways and in actuality-adhd kids if they are in an learning environment that suit's their needs are often among the highest performing (it's not uncommon esp. in math, science and computers which are generaly taught in a manner other subjects are not).

a GOOD doctor will not immediatly prescibe medications for a valid adhd diagnosis-they will want to evaluate and rule out other methods of treatment first, and when meds are prescribed it is the rule not the exception that they are done with other forms of treatment in a partnership.

i knew something was different with ds from the time he was a toddler. it was'nt that he would'nt stay still-he could'nt. in bed he would toss and turn for HOURS trying to go to sleep, trying to self soothe; even when we tried to soothe him it was of no use. we explored allergies, hearing issues (has always had very sensitive hearing)...for close to a year before the ped. would consider an adhd eval. (she had never encountered a child that young who could be evaluated). finanly did an eval with a professional in mental and neurological health-and ds fit the criteria to a 't'. since we had already tried therapy-it was decided to immed. try meds with therapy. difference was night and day. he could calm down and be receptive to the therapy-he could relax and go to sleep when he wanted or needed to. he could concentrate on tasks and activities he truly wanted to. we FULLY explored the risks of meds-the risks far outweighed the benefits (and if you've read the REAL documentation not just the 'fear' based news media reports-you will find that the drugs that correctly administered and monitored have a lower risk factor than many common otc drugs).

i/ds hate the meds-they are unplesant to taste and can reduce his appetite. but i/he know they make a difference. the problem we've encountered is that they have not been long lasting-and they take awhile to 'kick in'. so unless i would wake him up a couple of hours before school began-there was difficulty first thing in the morning. they wore off by the end of school so he was not feeling well by the time he came home. we are blessed to found that he is now getting a regulated dosage with meds deliverd via a patch-and have found that it delivers a regulated dosage that is helpful to him for all his waking hours (i put it on him before he wakes in the morning).

i have to wonder if a person (adult or child) had severe anxiety disorder or migranes-both of which like adhd are purely neurological in nature-would their use of meds be called into question or attacted? i think not.

if someone wants to evaluate weather if they or their child had adhd if they would consider effective, monitored controlled meds-try being sleep deprived for several days, turning every tv and radio system in you home up to max volume simultaiously-then turn all the lights on and have them flicker-consume a gallon of highly cafenated beverages and then stay put. you cant hide from it, you can't escape what you feel/how the input makes you feel, and all the time people are telling you to 'just calm down' or 'stay still'. then tell me if that was your life or your childs life, minute after minute, 24/7-and there was a means to address it you would'nt consider it.

hey adhd parents-if you have'nt read the 'joey pigza' books by jack gantos check them out. written as fiction for kids, but the best first person description of what it 'feels' like physicaly to be an adhd kid i've ever seen (and how he feels when using the theraputical techniques, meds-good and bad ones).

BTW-i am a former (now retired) dcafs worker and supervisor-i worked in the area of medical disability for many years. social security disability applications are never within the realm of dcafs-it is a federaly operated program with staff at that level processing and evaluating all applications. a dcafs worker might in the position of advocate assist with the filing on behalf of a child-but they would never make the determination of weather that child was appropriate or eligible for benefits (and due to hiipa laws the med records would not be appropriate for dcafs staff to view let alone evaluate). unless the previous posters friend is/was employed as a trained medical evaluation specialist with social security-they are not speaking with valid education and training as to the appropriateness of any individual's diagnosis and treatment plan of adhd.