Medication

To medicate or not to medicate? This is one of the most asked about topics in my experience of helping parents who have children with ADHD. There is so much information out there about medications, there are different types of medication and there is still unfortunately a great deal of prejudice. Of course, medication is not the miracle answer to ADHD it is simply one of the tools in a vast toolbox of options that can be very helpful. When children with ADHD struggle to concentrate, when they are highly distractable, medication can be really helpful to help them concentrate.

Remember that true ADHD is a neurological disorder. There are many things that can have similar symptoms to ADHD, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, living with domestic violence,  Sleep Apnoea and food intolerances. If symptons similar to  ADHD are present then it is really important to look at what is really going on. Is this really ADHD or are there other things going on? Are some of theses other things present alongside ADHD, or separate to it?

This is why its important to take an holistic approach to treatment. Medication will not on its own solve behaviour issues, but it can help the child to focus enough to learn better at school, to respond better to behaviour modification techniques and to respond to other training and development programs that they may be involved with.

Medications work in several ways but the most common ADHD medications work to help the neurons in the brain pass more readily across the synapse. ADHD is a neurological disorder based in the front lobe of the brain where the executive functions of the brain happen. Most medications enable this part of the brain to work more efficiently and effectively.

Be aware that many in our society are I'll informed about ADHD and medication and that many I'll informed people often have very strong opinions about what you should be doing with your child. Remember that they are your child and you have the right to make decisions that are right for your child even if others disagree. Only parents with children with ADHD really know what it is like to live with this disorder day in and day out so whilst I encourage parents to make well informed decisions, I also encourage them to remember that you know your child better than anyone else and you are the expert when it comes to knowing your child.

It is of course important to consider the possible effects of medication, but as with any medical situation, your doctor is the first place to start. In Australia, only psychiatrists and paediatricians are able to prescribe medication for ADHD. Your general practitioner will refer you to a specialist. When considering treatment for your child, look at all the possibilities, and include counselling or coaching, alongside medication if necessary.

Really, the decision to medicate or not to medicate is purely a choice for parents, made in conjunction with appropriate and accurate information and the guidance of their own health professionals. For those who respond well it can make a world of difference not only to the child with ADHD but for the rest of the family as well.