TO MED OR NOT TO MED?
I have heard a variety of opinions regarding ADHD and medications. I have heard the argument that medications, like Ritalin, have serious side effects, such as the potential for seizures. I have read research suggesting such medications can cause a person to lack creativity due to the effects on that part of the brain (I am guessing they mean the right side of the brain). I have also heard the other side, parents and doctors suggesting to anyone and everyone who is struggling with anything should “get on some good meds because there are great medications to help make everyone’s life easier. I find this conversation especially true with parents who are looking for some parental relief rather than seeking the best interests for their child.
I don’t know the best answer. I am glad I chose a profession that does not write up prescriptions. Please hear me! I stay mostly neutral on the subject of meds. I am uncomfortable with the idea of putting a child with ADHD on medication the second they are diagnosed. I am also uncomfortable seeing a child who is struggling to adapt and cope with anxiety and frustrations when some medication could potentially make a world of difference. I have seen both extremes.
As a licensed counselor, I believe we need to take a holistic approach to ADHD. According to research done by Dr. Daniel Amen, we should consider our child’s diet. Are they eating an over-abundance of sugar or caffeine? Are they getting enough vegetables and protein? We should also consider the amount of physical exercise our child is getting. Do they get out and walk, ride their bike, play games, swim, cross-country ski, or go on long hikes? Or, instead of exercising are they spending more than a half-hour playing video games? Also, we must consider vitamins, and other supplements like fish oil (omega 3), Multi-Vitamins, Vitamins B, C, and D. If your child is having difficulty sleeping at night, have you tried giving them three mg’s of Melatonin? It is not a medication, but a nutrient that provides a sleep hormone.
The problem with medications is too many people jump to medications without taking a holistic approach to see if there are other ways to cope with ADHD. I believe more often than not, people are lacking in exercise, adequate sleep and appropriate diet, which can make one’s ADHD more difficult to cope with. If the individual is sleeping well, exercising regularly and eating healthy and still struggle to pay attention and complete tasks, one might consider talking with a psychiatrist or doctor about getting on some medication. I will caution, if you talk with a family doctor about prescribing medication, get some consultation from a psychologist or licensed counselor regarding the type of medication and dosage. I have seen family doctors be very quick to prescribe medication without knowing anything about the psyche or emotional state of the patient.
I have very good friends in the mental health work who believe all ADHD medications have side effects that are not worth the risk. They are convinced if individuals with ADHD exercise and eat right they will cope well enough to adjust. However, when I was in high school I was in great physical shape. I played basketball, soccer and ran in a cross-country race one time because they needed an extra person. I still struggled to concentrate on school and life. I believe there are situations when a person will rule out all the other coping options and be at a place where they could use some medication.
