How Can You Determine if Your Child Needs ADHD Medication?
Have you thought about asking your doctor about ADHD medications for your child, but have held off because you feel unsure about it? Check out these questions and corresponding answers as you evaluate your situation.
What exactly is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a common condition that can be shaped with changes in environment and with use of medications. ADHD can affect how your child performs academically and in regards to social interactions.
How does ADHD present? There are two main ADHD camps: inattentive ADHD (which is sometimes called ADD) and hyperactive ADHD, although many kids display characteristics from both of these categories. If your child had inattentive ADHD, your child probably has trouble finishing tasks, paying attention, and being responsible. Children with hyperactive ADHD have trouble sitting still, controlling impulses, and restraining their bodies and mouths. Some children display both sets of characteristics.
How can you tell if your child has ADHD and needs help? To get a diagnosis, see either your doctor, a psychiatrist, or the school counselor for an evaluation. As long as your child is mostly healthy, you can probably try ADHD drugs on a trial basis just to find out if they help your child or not. Most kids who need ADHD meds show improvement the very first day they take the medication, so it’s easy to determine if your child will benefit or not.
How do ADHD medications work? Almost all ADHD medications are in the stimulant category. Interestingly enough, ADHD children respond to these stimulants by actually becoming more mellow instead of more hyperactive, as you’d think they would. These drugs make your brain produce extra epinephrine and dopamine; they also improve blood flow to the brain. They also inhibit your body’s dopamine and epinephrine uptakers, meaning your brain has access to these two chemicals longer.
What kind of results can you expect from ADHD medications? If the ADHD medications are working properly, your child will feel good, be able to stick to a task and complete it, and be more relaxed. You may need to experiment with type of drug and dosage levels, but you should see improvement in thought and actions right away.
If you suspect your child has ADHD, don’t hesitate to give the medications a try. You’ll quickly know if ADHD medications are best for your child.
About the author
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Terry Russell has been online since 2005 and has numerous
blogs. Terry Russell & Reliant Services |
