Medication for ADHD: The Great Debate
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects about treating ADHD is making the decision to use medication in helping to treat symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, and the inability to focus. It's not an easy choice for most parents to make, and those who do are often confronted with a lot of opposition from family and friends.
The first concern for most is whether or not the prescriptions available for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are safe or not. There are many reports on unpleasant and life threatening side effects. It is not uncommon for children to have a loss of appetite or growth problems. Many people do not trust that just because something has been FDA Approved it is safe for them to use.
It is very hard for parents to know who to trust regarding treating their children for ADHD and its symptoms. Doctors are often very closed minded about natural treatment options. It can also be very discouraging for parents, because it seems as if they have accepted that there is no cause for the problems, and therefore their only solution is to treat the symptoms that occur. They often ignore symptoms that may not be ADHD at all, but could be other problems children may be experiencing that cause similar symptoms.
If we can't trust our doctors to know how to treat ADHD, it can be very scary as a parent to decide what else they can do. There are many people out there that claim to have the "cure" for ADHD, but this can also be just as dangerous. These cures are typically not approved by the FDA, not tested, and since they are not covered by health insurance can also be quite expensive as well.
Media hype and stigmas cause many children to go untreated each year. There are children who have plenty of potential to succeed and do well, but because of their inability to control their impulses or behavior due to the disease, they may not be able to do as well as others. Failing to get help could be considered by some to be worse than trying medication to see if it can help.
The debate will continue on about medications for ADHD - but the best thing to do is not listen to the friends and family members and the media who will tell you it is horrible - but to talk to your doctor and be diligent in researching possible causes. Don't give up if medicine seems like your only hope - and don't stop at the first doctor who you speak with. If you are concerned about giving your child medication to treat ADHD, the best thing you can do is to find a doctor who is willing to test for any other potential causes, such as heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, bowel problems, allergies and more. Even when these things are done, medication may still help provide relief for both you and your child. Having the right and qualified guidance is well worth it in being an advocate for your child's health.
The first concern for most is whether or not the prescriptions available for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are safe or not. There are many reports on unpleasant and life threatening side effects. It is not uncommon for children to have a loss of appetite or growth problems. Many people do not trust that just because something has been FDA Approved it is safe for them to use.
It is very hard for parents to know who to trust regarding treating their children for ADHD and its symptoms. Doctors are often very closed minded about natural treatment options. It can also be very discouraging for parents, because it seems as if they have accepted that there is no cause for the problems, and therefore their only solution is to treat the symptoms that occur. They often ignore symptoms that may not be ADHD at all, but could be other problems children may be experiencing that cause similar symptoms.
If we can't trust our doctors to know how to treat ADHD, it can be very scary as a parent to decide what else they can do. There are many people out there that claim to have the "cure" for ADHD, but this can also be just as dangerous. These cures are typically not approved by the FDA, not tested, and since they are not covered by health insurance can also be quite expensive as well.
Media hype and stigmas cause many children to go untreated each year. There are children who have plenty of potential to succeed and do well, but because of their inability to control their impulses or behavior due to the disease, they may not be able to do as well as others. Failing to get help could be considered by some to be worse than trying medication to see if it can help.
The debate will continue on about medications for ADHD - but the best thing to do is not listen to the friends and family members and the media who will tell you it is horrible - but to talk to your doctor and be diligent in researching possible causes. Don't give up if medicine seems like your only hope - and don't stop at the first doctor who you speak with. If you are concerned about giving your child medication to treat ADHD, the best thing you can do is to find a doctor who is willing to test for any other potential causes, such as heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, bowel problems, allergies and more. Even when these things are done, medication may still help provide relief for both you and your child. Having the right and qualified guidance is well worth it in being an advocate for your child's health.
