Is there an alternative to ADHD Medication Treatment

One of the most controversial arguments you will encounter today is about ADHD medication as treatment ... ADHD to medicate or not to medicate?' that is the question. So what exactly is the issue around ADHD medication?
Side effects of different stimulant medications like Ritalin are well documented. Sleep problems, appetite issue, stomach problems, nervousness, anxiety. These are just some of the reported side effects listed. Most parents considering the conventional medication approach are likely to take this on board before making decisions. What they may not know is that new side effects are still being discovered after 40 years of prescribing these drugs. Illinois University have reported findings that long term exposure to these particular drugs when the brain is still developing can cause long term side effects like memory problems in adolescence.

Just listen what little J had to go through. he was put on both Ritalin and Risperdal. I have had to take him off both of them urgently. We went back to the GP because he was in too much pain to walk, every time I touched him he would cry out in pain and was covered in bruises. Several blood and other tests later. it was apparent that the medicine was responsible for the symptoms. Within days of stopping the meds he was OK.

I never really got down to reading all the stuff about these meds - I just needed help with his behaviour - I wish I had listened now!

These side effects on generally listed on the side of the pack although the list appears to be endless but new side effects are being identified all the time now - including memory problems in adolescents

However..... some recent research from the American Heart Association has come out now, that would really make any parent think again before going down this particular route in addressing their child's behavioural issues. These traditional medications are now know to increase heart rate and blood pressure and they are recommending that all children should be screened before being prescribed this medication because of the huge increase in prescriptions for stimulant medication.Ritalin is now being prescribed on an ever increasing basis.

Interestingly a study funded by Novartis the pharmaceutical company known to have produced Ritalin and who sponsored the parent support groups who originally defined the behavioural criteria leading to the ADHD diagnostic checklist. Their research cites that the problems seem to relate underlying heart problems in patients. One of the scientists reporting back on such findings is a Dr. Malone who has reported financial relationships with 3 major pharmaceutical companies.

The implications of this are quite clear that all children whose parents are contemplating this type of medication for their children need to have their child's hearts screened before starting treatment. Now if there is any further doubt - it might be helpful at this point to google ADHD and Matthew Smith 's story, also the poignant story on youtube, as told by his father after his death 10 years ago from the effects of this medication. Matthew was put on this drug after pressure on his parents from school.

It is probably a good idea not to give thesee drugs to very young children, whatever the diagnosis. You would be forgiven for thinking that this might go without saying because of all of the developmental implication in the brains of children at this age that can be compromised by this type of treatment. However as far back as 1991 and 1995 - prescriptions for toddlers aged 2-4 years old increased by 300% .

A final thought to leave you with before you make a final decision about medicating your child as an ADHD treatment - in a recent Australian study where a sample of young people were diagnosed with ADHD and then re-evaluated by a multi disciplinary team - I in 3 were found not to have ADHD.

The great ADHD and medicine debates will continue no doubt.....