Is There An Alternative To Adhd Medication Treatment?

Considering ADHD medication as a treatment option

? Then you may be interested in reading a letter I recently from a Mom who went down that route:

I thought it would be helpful to feedback what happened with little 'J'. 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. After a number of blood tests etc. the results came back that it was the medication that was causing all these horrible side effects. 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

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. the results came back that it was the medication that was causing all these horrible side effects. 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..... researchers into heart disease in the USA have found these drugs can affect the heart as well. 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.The number of prescriptions written for stimulant medication like Ritalin have increased 65% over the past four years or so.

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% .

Just evaluate all the possibilities when thinking how to treat ADHD in your child - 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.....

by: Steve Porter

POST COMMENT

What Are The Alternatives To Depression Meds ? - Making The Right Choices Views To Experience Countless Alternative Of Cheap Hotels And Activities For A Stay In Country The Dangers Of Granite Countertops And Alternatives To Granite Different Alternatives To Clean Hardwood Floors Awning Alternatives: When Retractable Isn't An Option Fax List - A Cost Effective Alternative Methods For Treating Head Lice: Conventional And Alternative Hair Lice Treatments Discussed The Humane Alternative Of The Ultrasonic Riddex Pest Repeller ICL, An Alternative To Laser Eye Surgery Breast Reduction Alternatives Bus Rental Alternatives For All Your Needs Discontinued Eyeglasses- Ideal Alternatives In Most Cases Entrypass System, A Practical Alternative To Manual Security And Attendance Recording Systems These