Meciation for ADD/ADHD and your preschooler

Use caution - most of the literature that the pharm. companies include with the medication indicate that the medicine is only proven effective for children age 6 and over. Make sure you read the accompanying literature and asks lots of questions before you medicate a child that young.

No way would I do this. Ritilin is sold as speed on the street. Also, given to a child who doesn't need it, it can cause an angry reaction. Most children on ADHD medicine only take it during school hours, so exactly what is the point? I wait and if I still suspected a problem, I would seek a second opinion, not use my child to experiment. It's not normal to try medicine to diagnose a problem, it's suppose to be diagnosed first. Four year olds have a great deal of energy and their attention spans very as they explore their environment.

I just have to weigh in on this one. Lucyjoy, most kids who take meds for ADHD are NOT just on them during school hours!!! because their hyperactivity and impulsivity are such that for their OWN safety, and comfort, it is best for them to receive the medication at regular times each day. yes, ritalin is sold on the street. that does not mean that ADHD kids don't need it. it has a paradoxical effect on them, meaning that it helps them focus and it decreases the enormous distractibility and hyperactivity they grapple with. --- children with untreated ADHD are not happy children. I say this as a mom of a child who started meds at 4 1/2 and also i say this as a therapist who has seen many, many heartbroken, no self esteem kids age 10 & up who did not get meds for several years and now have no friends, are WAY behind academically, and hate school and have awful relationships at home. --- I would say, however, get a child psychiatrist to see your child, don't just take the pediatrician's word for it, because the "kiddy shrink" will know better exactly what meds to use. ALWAYS get an eval from a child psychiatrist. not psychologist or pediatrician. -- Many kids' symptoms first show up in preschool, because they show up at around age 4-5 as a rule. there are some great websites about ADHD, be sure to check them out, you will need support and info from those who've been dealing with ADHD for a while. Good luck and God bless. it does get better. A proud mom of a precious 11 year old daughter with ADHD & mood disorder.

katrina, there is a thread called "ADHD and mood disorder" under this same category you posted in (Spirited/High needs children) which has some great info I think you would like to have. I found it helpful too. again, good luck and get empowered by getting information! :0)

" No way would I do this. Ritilin is sold as speed on the street. " Anti-depressive drugs are sold for street value too - this doesn't make them worthless to people who truly need them. As a kid who was desperately ADD (still am, of course!) I can tell you that for me, medication was a Godsend. At the time, Ritalin was the only kind available. I know it doesn't work for every child, but it did for me (and has for many others.) I would not rule it out JUST because it's medication. I do want to second that it shouldn't be just for school time - if your son is ADD, it's something that needs to be addressed as a "life" issue and not just a "school" issue. It just really makes me angry when people (especially those who don't have ADD/ADHD) act like medicine should NEVER be used. I agree that it is abused by doctors and parents looking for "easy" fixes, but that doesn't mean it is never a good option. I would do some research on your own and also talk to doctors you trust.

Here's my story...My daughter's kindergarten teacher told me my daughter exhibited signs of ADHD. I was skeptical as it seemed to be the answer for every energetic child. I decided by second grade, when I feared learning disabilities, to get her tested. I took her to a neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, and finally the school psychologist. It was unanimous, and only then did I feel that med might be an option. They tried her on Ritalin and she improved greatly academically but not enough for me to feel comfortable medicating my precious daughter. We tried Concerta and it worked more effectively (it is really time released Ritalin)To my sadness, I realized I had deprived my daughter of the opportunity to learn. Because she was unable to pay attention on a normal level for the first three years of school, she was lagging far behind. I have since learned a lot more about ADHD, that it includes social issues as well. I wish I had done something sooner, however, having said that, I still feel 4 is quite young. You really have to evaluate his behavior and his social interactions as well as acadmeic abilities. I would never take one opinion, professionals vary so much. Sometimes a diet change is adequate. I understand the fear of those who don't believe in medication, I was the biggest opposer, trust me. The ramifications to my daughter's life have humbled me with regards to medication. There is also Straterra, a newer nonstimulant med you could try. To this day, I still feel concern about what the med may do to my daughter but I know she would not survive the educational process without it. You can easily read up on ADHD online and the various meds offered, I would definitely get more than one professional opinion. Also, if you choose medication it usually takes time to find one that is helpful. Not all children are the same.Best of luck.