Medication is a serious issue. It's one that Parents do not take lightly and is one of the hardest decisions to make regarding the treatment of ADHD.

As Parents, we agonize over whether or not we should medicate our child. We weigh the pros and cons, look at the the short and long term side affects, consider our lifestyle and the welfare of our child and make a decision based on the best information we can.

As a parent who has chosen to medicate their child, for whatever reason, you will one day run into that family member, news story, friend, stranger, teacher or...whoever, who will take it upon them self to inform you as to how horrible of a parent you are. They will question your motives for medicating your child, they will tell you that you are killing your child, turning him/her into a dope fiend, that you are shirking your duties as a parent and so on. Not only do they send you on a guilt trip but they back your bags for you.

How does one handle these situation? How do I handle these situations?

• I handle these situations by letting these people know that

  IT IS NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS!

• How I treat my child's ADHD is a personal and private matter, not open to discussion to anyone except myself and my child's doctor. Whether I choose traditional methods, alternatives, diet and nutrition or wave crystals and chant, it is MY decision based on what is right for myself, my child, and our lifestyle. If it works who are they to question my motives or my child's Dr.? Learn to distance yourself from those who offer criticism rather than support.

• Unless the newspaper, magazine article, sales literature etc, concerning medication is based on facts and not the ramblings of a reporter, opportunist or other individual who is spouting personal opinion, bias and faulty information, use it to train the new puppy, or line the bird cage. If an article concerns you, discuss it with your dr. before jumping to conclusions or changing how you treat your child.

• Be wary of any school official, teacher, principal, counselor etc, that tells you your child needs medication. While these people may very well be looking out for your child's best interest the truth is that none of these people have a degree in medicine and have no business suggesting that your child needs medication. These same people also have no business diagnosing your child with any medical condition. Again, they do not have the training to do so. If I had listened to the professionals at my son's school, he would be labeled as "psychotic" today instead of diagnosed and treated as ADHD. If your child's teachers have come to you with concerns, use the tools at the school (Special ed Testing) and use the results to help your pediatrician or Dr. seeing your child make the best possible diagnosis possible.

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• Also Be Wary of any professional who suggests that you treat your child indiscriminately with powerful drugs such as Ritalin, cylert etc under the guise of, "if this medication helps, then your child has ADHD". I do not believe that haphazardly medicating your child is the proper way to make a diagnosis.

• Please keep in mind that there are many, many other disorders and issues that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD. Aspergers syndrome, bi-polar, depression, post traumatic stress, allergies to food and environment, and even gifted children who are unidentified and going unchallenged in class can all exhibit symptoms of ADHD. It takes an experienced and well trained Dr. to make an accurate diagnosis.

• Please remember that medication, no matter how appropriate is not a "magic bullet". Children diagnosed with ADHD are often candidates for the co-existence of other disorders such as depression. Counseling and/or group therapy can excellent tools in teaching your child the skills and tools they need to be successful social and behaviorally.

• If you are having trouble deciding whether or not medication is the right route to take in treating your child's ADHD, one option is to explore alternatives. Knowing that you tried other avenues before choosing medication may help alleviate any issues you have regarding using medication.

In view of all of this, let me say that the better informed you are, the better decisions you will make concerning your child. There are a lot of issues to take into consideration before you decide on a method of treatment. With the right information, you will make a decision that is right and in the best interest of your child. As mothers, we have a 6th sense about our children..... call it instinct or guts, whichever you choose, always take time to listen to it and your heart. When you take all this into consideration, how can you go wrong? And when you think about it, how can someone, who doesn't know your child like you do, or care about your child like you do, know what's best for your child? I don't believe they do.

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