Do You Think Children Diagnosed With ADD Or ADHD Should Be Given Medication?

When it comes to treating ADHD, or even just understanding and accepting ADHD as a real condition, there is no more controversial topic being asked and discussed than the topic of ADHD medications. There are a lot of people who believe that ADHD medications are dangerous and cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to children.

It's Time We Really Understand The Truth

According to the American Medical Association and various other professional medical groups, the answer is yes. The overwhelming belief is that ADHD medications are effective, safe, and make radical differences. But they do not necessarily take into account the bigger picture, and what other options are available and effective.

There is a large body of scientific research that indicates that the most effective form of treatment include medication and behavior therapy (in combination). They also suggest that medication alone is the next best option (without behavior therapy) versus doing nothing alone.

Now, this is what the medical world believes and is how they approach treatment. As a "former therapist" I take issue with this treatment approach for a few reasons, but at the same time I must say that medication can and does help a lot of people.

What Most People Are Not Being Told

That said, you must know that scientific research DOES NOT typically evaluate the effectiveness of natural remedies or other alternative treatments / therapies for ADHD due to funding and profits (drug companies pay a lot for research and of course make a lot from medication sales).

I am sharing this as an important perspective, and not to put down my colleagues, the medical community in general, or the pharmaceutical companies. It's just something that people need to be aware of.

From where I stand, medication can be and has been proven to be an effective method for managing symptoms of ADHD.

However, I do NOT believe it should be the first treatment suggestion, especially after a 15-minute appointment with a pediatrician or other professional. An ADHD diagnosis is complicated, and we must be aware of the process and how symptoms appear and interfere with life.

We need to consider the goals for treatment options. In other words, why would we choose medication versus another treatment option?

Another piece we must consider is that ADHD rarely exists alone, so must consider what we call co-existing conditions (like depression, bipolar, and more). There are a lot of conditions that also mimic the symptoms of ADHD, so we need to be sure we are treating the real underlying condition or cause for the behavior or difficulties.

The simple answer is "some yes, some no." Medication does NOT work for everyone, and there are some people who absolutely need. It's an individual decision that should be and MUST be made as a family, and in conversation with a competent professional.