Why so many kids on meds???

[Amirah95]

My DD11 was diagnosed with both ODD and ADHD when she was 8 years old and we did put her on meds for a couple months and took her off because I didn't get support from other family members and they made comments in front of her and to me which caused even more problems. She felt like she was not normal which made me majorly depressed so we took her off and started working with her in other ways and so far her ADHD isn't an issue anymore, but we do have some issues with the ODD still, but I am happy with my decision to put more time and effort into helping her with her conditions. To me, it didn't hurt to try the meds. Some children need it.

If her problems had escalated as time went on I would have put her back on the meds no doubt. She was on Sotera (sp?) and it did seem to calm her down while she was on it.

 

[jakenjess]

First off, I just want to send out big hugs to all of those parents who have had to deal with these issues, because I've been there (and still am) myself.

My DS is not on meds right now, but he was in 2nd and 3rd grade (he's now going into 6th), and at the time I believe it was totally the right thing to do. However, don't think DH and I didn't agonize over it. We've had many sleepness nights and long, tear-filled conversations and meetings with pediatricians, neuropsychologists, and therapists. I have tears in my eyes just writing about it. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child in pain, be it physical or mental.

I think it was the statement about just saying no to all drugs that set this off in the wrong direction. Blanket statements like that just do not make any sense and add nothing to the discussion. Please, as others have said, until you've walked in the shoes of those who have had to deal with this, be careful, as statements like that do sound judgmental. Parents and children dealing with ADD/ADHD need everyone's support and prayers.

 

[SavvyMom]

OP - I have often wondered myself if meds (of all kinds) are overprescribed. Why does it seem like there are so many children with medical issues when there weren't when I was in school? Did I just not know? Did I not notice? These are viable questions. My mom is on 20+ different prescription meds. Yes, I question that sometimes. It seems to me that you are not criticizing those parents that have had their children professionally diagnosed, only those that turn to drugs as a discipline aid. Am I right?

As a teacher, I have seen children that were ADHD, both medicated and not. Let me tell you, it is sad to see a child that has no control over his/her body/behavior. Most of the time, they really want to do the right thing, but they can't help it. I've had parents in conferences in tears asking me what to do. The parents want their kids to succeed and be liked. They only want to do what is right for their children. I would never ever recommend drugs to a parent. I have suggested they take their children to a Dr. to rule out medical causes when they are at their wits end. It could be ADD/ADHD, but it could also be allergies or any number of other things. I don't know. I am not a medical professional, therefore I do not give medical advice. By the way, it is illegal here for a teacher/administrator to recommend meds or attempt a diagnosis in any way.

I will say that it does my heart good to read about so many loving and caring parents. I am also thankful that there are people that care what happens to other people's children.

Thanks for 'listening'.

 

[famofsix]

Again!!! My post is not meant to make parents with children on medication defend their position!!!!!

The OP original question did exclusively ask why so many children on medicaton. As the thread continued different examples of adults and children entered the thread. RIGHT???

Hence my personal experiences with people I know on medication. Geez!!! If you choose to attack me then at least keep in mind of the entire message. Don't just choose the part that stings YOU personally.

Keeping with the theme of JUST children.

My nephew, is in first grade he spent the first five years of his life in a hostile household. Parents admit regularly to fighting in front of him. The next two years are spent bouncing from mom, dad and both sets of grandparent houses. He spends a lot of time in front of a TV. He also continues to poop in his pants daily. He is six!!! He does not poop at school as he know this not okay.His mother tells him it is okay She has never taken him to the dr. for this issue to rule out a medical condition. He swears at his parents regularly. He had a hard time in school last year completing school work and with discipline. His parents are now catching heat from the school. Guess what they want to do? Get him evaluated for possible medication.Now I cannot be the only one out there who sees how this poor child was failed.

Again, this is only a personal example that I have witnessed firsthand.
Before I get flamed again!!!! remember that I do believe medication is really needed for some kids/ adult. I just also believe that for every one child that truly needs the meds, there is one who is on it who doesn't.

JMHO

I am done commenting on this topic. I understand that parents will defend their children to the end. I do it too. This is a topic that is too personal to some to have a two way discussion. Someone always feels the need to "defend". I know that there are people who share some of the same thoughts. (maybe just not willing to get flamed for it) Again, I did not mean to offend just to have a debatable discussion.

What I think you are failing to understand is that getting an evaluation does not = medication. Chances are the school is trying to help the child by getting a full diagnosis test. Not all evaluations end up with a child with ADHD. It is true that the parents are contributing to this child's problems but the school is probaly trying to find a solution that best meets the needs of the child.

Perhaps, getting him evaluated will be a wake up call to the parents when they see the Pysch evaluation.

To think that ADHD medication is a cop out for doctors and that they haphazardly write scripts for this stuff is unwarranted.

 

[C.Ann]

There are children who need medication - and children who don't need medication..

There are adults who need medication - and adults who don't need medication..

These are personal decisions that should involve only the participants and the appropriate medical personnel..

For someone to make a "blanket" assumption that they know what is better for the health of a child or an adult that they have never even met, is mind boggling to me!

 

[6TimeMomma]

Again!!! My post is not meant to make parents with children on medication defend their position!!!!!

The OP original question did exclusively ask why so many children on medicaton. As the thread continued different examples of adults and children entered the thread. RIGHT???

Hence my personal experiences with people I know on medication. Geez!!! If you choose to attack me then at least keep in mind of the entire message. Don't just choose the part that stings YOU personally.

Keeping with the theme of JUST children.

My nephew, is in first grade he spent the first five years of his life in a hostile household. Parents admit regularly to fighting in front of him. The next two years are spent bouncing from mom, dad and both sets of grandparent houses. He spends a lot of time in front of a TV. He also continues to poop in his pants daily. He is six!!! He does not poop at school as he know this not okay.His mother tells him it is okay She has never taken him to the dr. for this issue to rule out a medical condition. He swears at his parents regularly. He had a hard time in school last year completing school work and with discipline. His parents are now catching heat from the school. Guess what they want to do? Get him evaluated for possible medication.

Now I cannot be the only one out there who sees how this poor child was failed.

Again, this is only a personal example that I have witnessed firsthand.
Before I get flamed again!!!! remember that I do believe medication is really needed for some kids/ adult. I just also believe that for every one child that truly needs the meds, there is one who is on it who doesn't.

JMHO

I am done commenting on this topic. I understand that parents will defend their children to the end. I do it too. This is a topic that is too personal to some to have a two way discussion. Someone always feels the need to "defend". I know that there are people who share some of the same thoughts. (maybe just not willing to get flamed for it) Again, I did not mean to offend just to have a debatable discussion.

Fine, I guess I can see how you may have been addressing something other than ADHD, but the OP was not. I don't see her mention ANY other disease or medication in her OP. The only thing she mentions is ADHD and meds for it.

So, while I will accept that you were addressing something else (although confusingly so for my tired head ), I will respectfully disagree that the OP had other thoughts on her mind. JMHO.

Oh, and good gravy, I don't hardly think I attacked you. Merely wasn't getting the connection.

 

[3_soccer_princesses]

I am 29 and not only do I have ADHD but atleast one of my daughters is diagnosed with it also. Both of us are on meds. I was diagnosed when I was 19. It currently explained a lot of things during my schooling years. I spent so long feeling stupid and dumb because I couldn't get the things other kids could. I could excell in certain things, but easy things were so hard. As much as I wish I was diagnosed earlier, I do not regret what I experience at all. I refused meds until last year because I thought as an adult I could handle the ADHD. It wasn't till my best friend told me I wasn't handling it that I decided that I needed help. At that time I lost a few friends because they said "I hate people that put there kids on meds. ADHD does not exist".
People can be cruel and I figure they weren't really my friends in the first place.

I do agree with the OP that there are an alarming number of kids on meds for ADHD. Most need it, some don't. I personally find that there is an over emphasis on the kids that don't need the meds which makes the ones that do defensive. I am extremely defensive when it comes to comments about meds because so many people make negative remarks about it without fully knowing the situation.

 

[darlak]

I have several friends who have struggled with this decision for their own children. They first tried any number of other approachs, including, but not limited to, behavior modification and dietary changes. Those methods worked for a few, but others finally were left with few options other than medication. Many have seen amazing improvements after placing their children on the proper medication. In the course of my occupation, I have seen many parents who have struggled with this decision as well. They want to do the right thing, not just the easiest thing. To my friends, clients and those whose posts I have read here, I commend you.

However, I know that this is not always the case. I have clients with as many as 6 children who are all on medication for ADHD. They receive an SSI check for all 6 children. These parents network with other parents regarding physicans who will happily prescribe meds for their children after giving them an official diagnosis of ADHD. When their children are still toddlers, they are looking forward with great anticipation to the day that they will be able to get their own diagnosis and thereby qualify for their own check. They love to talk about how they can get them in bed earlier and easier just by changing the dosage times.

I believe that advances in medicine in this area have been nothing short of a miracle for those who truely have ADHD and need this medication. I also believe that, as with most good things, many in society have found a way to misuse it to their own advantage and that sometimes, their own children are the victims. Those parents are the ones who sometimes make headlines and make some people suspicious of all parents who use medication for their child with ADHD. I would never suggest to any parent of a child who was recently diagnosed with ADHD that they never allow their children to be placed on medication. I would however, suggest that they investigate all options before making any decision. I always advocate for making the most informed decision possible!

 

[famofsix]

Darlak~
What profession are you in and who are your clients? It is sad to hear of abuse like that to the medical field. Of course there are people who are abusing the insurance system and welfare that the rest of us pay a high price for in society.

I still think this is an extreme and that people assume most kids on meds for ADHD don't need them. It is this assumption that has made me be an advocate for children/Adults who need this medicine especially since this was my narrow minded view before the reality of having an child with ADHD set in.

When we were trying to figure out what to do, I talked to a friend about my kid's problem she said to me, "well, you are not going to DRUG him are you? It made me feel really bad. And the fact is we don't tell too many people about his need for medication especially family members. They can be brutal.

We are doing what works for us and I see you respect that.

It is just hard to have threads like this "say no to drugs" I hope those of us going through this have helped others to see that while misusage and misdiagnosis happen, most of us really do consider all options and need this medication for our children).

I don't know about other states, but in NY to get this diagnosis it is pretty time-consuming and detailed. Children have a through medical evaluation. It is not like they can fake it to get a script.

I believe that advances in medicine in this area have been nothing short of a miracle for those who truely have ADHD and need this medication. I also believe that, as with most good things, many in society have found a way to misuse it to their own advantage and that sometimes, their own children are the victims. Those parents are the ones who sometimes make headlines and make some people suspicious of all parents who use medication for their child with ADHD. I would never suggest to any parent of a child who was recently diagnosed with ADHD that they never allow their children to be placed on medication. I would however, suggest that they investigate all options before making any decision. I always advocate for making the most informed decision possible!

I agree!

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

my belief is that if its necessary & life saving...you gotta do what you gotta do.

Dont let anyone (except a professional) tell you "you need to medicate yourself/children".

Do your homework, think of the pros & the cons & evaluate whats really "right' for you/child/family etc.

& like someone said, most meds are not the solution, but one of the tools to get on track.

I work in Psych & I will admit, there are people out there who dont need meds, but thats the Doctors liabilty, not ours.

 

[tink2005]

I have 3 sons with ADD; each has a different manisfestation. The middle is unbelieveably hyper, cannot enjoy a movie with his friends without meds. the oldest has NOOOOOO outward hyperactivity but cannot focus, concentrate or get along without meds. Both have had therapy to go along with the meds. We have tried no sugar, no milk, no carbs. Being strict. Being lenient, 5 different kinds of ADD meds. In truth, I don't think my oldest would be here today without those meds. He was an absolutely miserable little boy. It would break any mothers heart to hear him sob night after night about how he hated school and everyone hated him. to us, the meds really were that magic pill. He just graduated from the local junior college and is starting his last 2 years at a university in the fall. He has held a respectable job for 4 years and is thoughtful
and nice. He now only takes meds for school, but for him they are a necessity. NOT because of teachers. NOT because of parents. Because he has an inherited neurological disorder and we are lucky enough to have medication to temper it.

 

[darlak]

Darlak~
What profession are you in and who are your clients? It is sad to hear of abuse like that to the medical field. Of course there are people who are abusing the insurance system and welfare that the rest of us pay a high price for in society.

I still think this is an extreme and that people assume most kids on meds for ADHD don't need them. It is this assumption that has made me be an advocate for children/Adults who need this medicine especially since this was my narrow minded view before the reality of having an child with ADHD set in.

When we were trying to figure out what to do, I talked to a friend about my kid's problem she said to me, "well, you are not going to DRUG him are you? It made me feel really bad. And the fact is we don't tell too many people about his need for medication especially family members. They can be brutal.

We are doing what works for us and I see you respect that.

It is just hard to have threads like this "say no to drugs" I hope those of us going through this have helped others to see that while misusage and misdiagnosis happen, most of us really do consider all options and need this medication for our children).

I don't know about other states, but in NY to get this diagnosis it is pretty time-consuming and detailed. Children have a through medical evaluation. It is not like they can fake it to get a script.



I agree!

I supervise a program at Family Court that investigates child abuse/neglect cases. That's probably enough said about my clients for you to understand. However, I do work with many parents who are trying to do the right thing for their children, often under very difficult circumstances. Involvement with Family Court carries it's own stigma. Sometimes that is unwarranted as well.

It is evident from reading your post that you stuggled with making this decision for your child. While I do believe that there are those who have found a way to misuse the availability of this diagnosis and the medications used to treat it, I also believe that MOST parents are like you and make the most informed decision they can. I don't think that I, or any other parent have the right to judge those parents in your shoes.

 

[billwendy]

Hi Everyone,

Medicating is a difficult decision to make, and every parent needs to make their own decision because no situations are exactly the same. I was wondering if anyone had tried the Interactive Metronome Program with their child (or an adult with ADHD) - it is a non invasive program that is wonderful in my experience at helping to learn focus and control impulsivity - plus helps with decoding (research has been done with reading and math scores). Some of the professional athletes use it (Vijay Singh on the golf tour) to help increase their focus and concentration as well. You can go to their website to read more about it. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy did a study a few years back with boys who had ADHD and they saw great results as well. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone was interested in the program!!

 

[annie1995]

My step daughter was on them for years. We saw no real improvment in her work output, attention etc. Her grades always stayed the same, There was never a increase when she was on them, or a decrease when she is off them. So after a long discussion, it was decided to take her off her meds. The school still to this day is fighting us on this issue. They told us when she had her evaluation, she would glance out into the hallway at times in between periods of the classes. Well duh, there is a ton of noise outside then. I can't imagine anyone not looking out. I look out during conferences etc. Does that mean I have ADD too? Its a load of crap when they say the school doesn't influence or suggest children need them, cause we hear it all the time.

 

[Tikicampers]

Its a load of crap when they say the school doesn't influence or suggest children need them, cause we hear it all the time.

I'm sorry you are having a problem with your school, but I can assure you that not every school does this. I'm sure it varies by district and state, but here, all our training emphasizes that we are not able to suggest medication for a child (I wouldn't even I hadn't had the training). I found this comment to be a little offensive, to be honest. I am one of the people who said that schools usually have little influence on this subject. Someone else from my state said the same thing. Perhaps I am not clear on who you mean by "they."

 

[3jsmommy]

My step daughter was on them for years. We saw no real improvement in her work output, attention etc. Her grades always stayed the same, There was never a increase when she was on them, or a decrease when she is off them. So after a long discussion, it was decided to take her off her meds. The school still to this day is fighting us on this issue. They told us when she had her evaluation, she would glance out into the hallway at times in between periods of the classes. Well duh, there is a ton of noise outside then. I can't imagine anyone not looking out. I look out during conferences etc. Does that mean I have ADD too? Its a load of crap when they say the school doesn't influence or suggest children need them, cause we hear it all the time.

I had a similar experience w/ my brothers in their high school & it always bothered me that the schools were so fast to suggest drugs. This & the fact that I read more than a couple of comments on this site about people giving their children adhd meds prompted me to write my op. It is absolutely true that schools have done this in the pass & in 2004 congress passed a bill trying to prevent schools from doing so in the future. I have attended FDA hearings (which were all day events & very, very educational & at times disturbing) on the dangers of psychotropic drugs so I truly had a real concern for these children. I regret saying say no to all drugs, I really was just thinking of psychiatric drugs given to borderline or healthy children as a first resort. I KNOW this was not a smart statement , but if you read my entire OP I said I wasn't referring to special needs children, & I would never mean to offend anyone, which I already stated in a previous post which was ignored it seems. You can take a sentence out of anyone's posts & make me look like I am trying to be judgemental, but I was trying to voice a concern which obviously is not allowed here. This site http://www.ritalindeath.com/New-Federal-Law.htm may be helpful to those parents who still have doubts about a diagnosis. I am sure everyone is doing what they believe is best for their child, to claim that these drugs are not being over prescribed is not socially conscious in my opinion. I was never talking to anyone individually only talking about society as a whole & to say I know nothing about these drugs is not true, perhaps I just have info or questions that some parents are do not want to hear.

 

[famofsix]

I had a similar experience w/ my brothers in their high school & it always bothered me that the schools were so fast to suggest drugs. This & the fact that I read more than a couple of comments on this site about people giving their children adhd meds prompted me to write my op. It is absolutely true that schools have done this in the pass & in 2004 congress passed a bill trying to prevent schools from doing so in the future. I have attended FDA hearings (which were all day events & very, very educational & at times disturbing) on the dangers of psychotropic drugs so I truly had a real concern for these children. I regret saying say no to all drugs, I really was just thinking of psychiatric drugs given to borderline or healthy children as a first resort. I KNOW this was not a smart statement , but if you read my entire OP I said I wasn't referring to special needs children, & I would never mean to offend anyone, which I already stated in a previous post which was ignored it seems. You can take a sentence out of anyone's posts & make me look like I am trying to be judgemental, but I was trying to voice a concern which obviously is not allowed here. This site http://www.ritalindeath.com/New-Federal-Law.htm may be helpful to those parents who still have doubts about a diagnosis. I am sure everyone is doing what they believe is best for their child, to claim that these drugs are not being over prescribed is not socially conscious in my opinion. I was never talking to anyone individually only talking about society as a whole & to say I know nothing about these drugs is not true, perhaps I just have info or questions that some parents are do not want to hear.

My child is healthy.

All I can say is that any child that is diagnosis with ADHD or ADD is a special needs child because ADHD/ADD is their special need.

Many schools suggest an evaluation but legally cannot prescribe or force medication.

I appreciate your apology for the "say no to drugs" statement. Thank you.

You do realize the site you are quoting is National Alliance against Mandated Mental Health Screening & Psychiatric Drugging of Children and it is written in a certain bias as is your first post.

The bill you are referencing protects parents from being forced to give medication at the schools request which I agree with. The bill does not address the "over prescribing of the medications" that you say is so evident in our society. The fact is there is no proof that there is an over-prescribing for these medications for children who otherwise would not need medication.

 

[badblackpug]

Again!!! My post is not meant to make parents with children on medication defend their position!!!!!

The OP original question did exclusively ask why so many children on medicaton. As the thread continued different examples of adults and children entered the thread. RIGHT???

Hence my personal experiences with people I know on medication. Geez!!! If you choose to attack me then at least keep in mind of the entire message. Don't just choose the part that stings YOU personally.

Keeping with the theme of JUST children.

My nephew, is in first grade he spent the first five years of his life in a hostile household. Parents admit regularly to fighting in front of him. The next two years are spent bouncing from mom, dad and both sets of grandparent houses. He spends a lot of time in front of a TV. He also continues to poop in his pants daily. He is six!!! He does not poop at school as he know this not okay.His mother tells him it is okay She has never taken him to the dr. for this issue to rule out a medical condition. He swears at his parents regularly. He had a hard time in school last year completing school work and with discipline. His parents are now catching heat from the school. Guess what they want to do? Get him evaluated for possible medication.

Now I cannot be the only one out there who sees how this poor child was failed.

Again, this is only a personal example that I have witnessed firsthand.
Before I get flamed again!!!! remember that I do believe medication is really needed for some kids/ adult. I just also believe that for every one child that truly needs the meds, there is one who is on it who doesn't.

JMHO

I am done commenting on this topic. I understand that parents will defend their children to the end. I do it too. This is a topic that is too personal to some to have a two way discussion. Someone always feels the need to "defend". I know that there are people who share some of the same thoughts. (maybe just not willing to get flamed for it) Again, I did not mean to offend just to have a debatable discussion.

Ok, maybe I can shed some light on this. 2 examples:

#1: My friends son is very like this. There is no discipline at home. There are no limits or structure. At the age of 10 he still sleeps in his mothers' bed. When it is time for him to go to bed, she has to go, too. If not he will scream and act out, until she gives in. He gets everything he asks for, if he doesn't get what he wants, he acts out, and she gives it to him. She pirposely loses all games to him at home, because if he does not win, he acts out. Let me give a few "for instances:" he doesn't want the chicken mom has cooked for dinner, he refuses to eat it, he sulks, then cries, and she packs the whole meal in and takes him to McDonalds. If a friend has a toy (or anything, really) that he doesn't have, he cries and screams and she goes and buys it for him. If he goes to a birthday party, he always picks out a gift for the child that he doesn't have, and then cries that he wants one, too, and she buys it. He was out playing in the back yard the other night, he was told to come in, he repeatedly, without pause, asked to stay outside, mom becomes so overwhelmed she just says "OK...fine...stay out." She has been called to the school many, many times about his behavior. (physically abusive to other children who are better than he at skills, refusing to do things that he doesn't want to do, telling the teacher to "shut up." -he is allowed to tell his mother that) Teachers have repeatedly asked mom to have him evaluated. Why? Beacause they only see the behavior before them. Mom is an articulate, professional educate woman. She does not come into school and tell the teachers "I let him do any damn thing he wants to do at home, so I don't have to deal with his behavior." Because she doesn't see it this way. She sees it as assuring that her son is happy by doing and giving everthing she can to and for him.

#2: Another friends daughter. She lives in a house where there are structure and rules. Where certain behavior is expected. In school she was the "weird kid." The one with the crappy social skills. The one who didn't make eye contact. The kid hat did all those little, weird, socially inappropriate things that popped in her head. She was ostracized, and teased. She came home crying everyday "everyone hates me!" "I don't have any friends." She hated school and didn't want to go. She never picked up on any social cues at all. When she was tested and put on meds it made a world of difference. She was able to focus. She was able to interact. She is happy, friendly and outgoing.

For those of us that lived in the era od pre AD(H)D think back to those kids who "weren't quite right." The odd kid who just couldn't "get right." The kid who freaked out if teased. The kid who did the weird stuff, that other kids laughed at. The kid who ended up in special ED, and by high school just dropped out of sight. The kid that was "slow" or "bad." How many of these kids had AD(H)D or Asperger's or learning disablilities? How many would have done so much better if these things had been recognized and appropriately treated?

Are there kids who are mislabled, who just need discipine and rules? Sure! Are there many of them? No, probably not. Remeber, teachers can only go on what they see in the classroom. They do not know what a child's home environment is actually like, that is why they suggest EVALUATION.

I have worked in the mental health field. I have seen medications work miracles. The problem is that people with no experience with neurologica/mental illnesses see the medicine as "restraining" the patients behavior, when really, it does just the opposite and sets them free to realize their potential.

 

[SavvyMom]

Very well written. Thank you for the perspective.

 

[WeLuvDiznee]

I had to post. My DD8 was diagosned at age 5. I went to several doctors before actually putting her on meds-concerta.Her teacher never told me she was ADHD,she simply pointed out that my DD would get up in the middle of taeching and walk out of the classroom,or be under a table,never finished any sort of assisgnment.Everyday I dreaded picking her up because of what trouble she caused today.I sat with her for hours helping her with homework.She would be awake all hours of the night,and we were afraid she would hurt herself.At the time, I didn't want to give my "baby" any meds.But it wasn't fair to her,not us,her. She wasn't learning anything,couldn't pay attention long enough to play games,have a story read.After 6 months,We finally put her on a low dose of meds.I was shocked that she could read! After 3 weeks of being on them,I saw a hugh difference.I felt better about my choice.She is now on a much higher dose,and has to take 2 different pills at night to be able to sleep. I watch her appetite,because she doesn't eat all that well. We take her off in the summer only.She is doing so well in school, at home, and I am glad she is happy. Having active kids is one thing, but when it interes with their life, that's another.My DD still has anrger problems,but we are dealing with that as best we could. I'm happy with my choice of putting her on the meds.