metadate - ADD / ADHD Message Board

mom100501 · 02-22-2008, 10:47 AM

I got this script yesterday and I cannot make myself fill it fo rmy 6 year old daughter with adhd is that wrong?

janewhite1 · 02-24-2008, 07:58 AM

No, it's not wrong, if you feel that you are acting in your daughter's best interest. If she had pneumonia, and you didn't give her the prescribed antibiotics, that would be wrong, because that would clearly and directly harm her. Whether or not she needs this drug is less clear. These are some questions to think about:

1)Why do you not want her to take this drug?
2)Are you convinced that she does indeed have ADHD severe enough to require some sort of treatment?
3)Are you worried about side effects? (They do warrant concern).
4)Do you want to try non-drug treatments such as dietary changes and coaching first?

Kylee15 · 02-24-2008, 12:51 PM

My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade, but I would not put her on a stimulant. I just couldn't at that young age. I waited until the beginning of the 5th grade to put her on Ritalin and it helped so much that teachers and friends noticed immediately she was better. Her grades went up, she focused for the first time in her life. I then felt guilty cuz I waited so long and could have saved her a lot of struggles. I understand not wanting to give your 6 year old daughter the medicine. You have to weigh to pros and cons. Hope this helps.

AlexaIn2006 · 02-24-2008, 12:55 PM

Make sure you look into alternatives too.