Shmolissa
06-25-2004, 06:40 PM
If my son is diagnosed with ADD how can I trust the Dr's diagnosis? It seems like ADD is a cop-out for any child having a little difficulty in school. I just don't want to end up medicating my child for nothing.
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06-25-2004, 07:11 PM
I think the most important thing is your gut-feeling. As his mom you know your child better than anyone else. Do you think he has ADD? Does it have a serious negative impact on other areas of your child's life besides school? Were these problems there before age 7?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you have every right to be suspiscious. Also, be aware that even if your child is diagnosed correctly with ADD (and you agree with the diagnosis), you still have every right to refuse medication unless and until you are comfortable with it! It took my husband and I years to agree to stimulants after our son was diagnosed. Unfortunately, his self-esteem has suffered greatly as a result of our hesitance.
Good luck!
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you have every right to be suspiscious. Also, be aware that even if your child is diagnosed correctly with ADD (and you agree with the diagnosis), you still have every right to refuse medication unless and until you are comfortable with it! It took my husband and I years to agree to stimulants after our son was diagnosed. Unfortunately, his self-esteem has suffered greatly as a result of our hesitance.
Good luck!
brainf0g
06-26-2004, 06:28 AM
If my son is diagnosed with ADD how can I trust the Dr's diagnosis? It seems like ADD is a cop-out for any child having a little difficulty in school. I just don't want to end up medicating my child for nothing.
The best indicator is to follow the genetic trail. Do you or any relatives have the same symptoms as him?
The best indicator is to follow the genetic trail. Do you or any relatives have the same symptoms as him?
ValerieM
07-17-2004, 08:31 PM
When in doubt, get a second oppinion. Ask the diagnosing MD for a referral. I did the same with my son's diagnosis and I was referred to a Psychiarist.
JDRkids
07-18-2004, 12:40 PM
I would assume your Pediatrician/Physician has a license. Granted there are good and bad docs, good and bad teachers, and good and bad plumbers,cops, dentists, and trashmen.
My suggestion would be if you would trust your childs' Dr. with your childs' health in an emergency and /or Dr. visit, then you can trust their judgement for a diag. with ADD/ADHD. IF you are concerned about it, ask for a referral to a licensed Psychiatrist. Typically there are test involved that direct the Physician in making their decision. They do not want to medicate the child any more than the parent.
Hope this helps.
JDRkids
My suggestion would be if you would trust your childs' Dr. with your childs' health in an emergency and /or Dr. visit, then you can trust their judgement for a diag. with ADD/ADHD. IF you are concerned about it, ask for a referral to a licensed Psychiatrist. Typically there are test involved that direct the Physician in making their decision. They do not want to medicate the child any more than the parent.
Hope this helps.
JDRkids
lateeth
07-19-2004, 05:10 AM
My experience with doctors (and I actually work at a hospital and some of the doctors feel the same way I do) is that some of them, and many psychiatrists throw medication at any problem as a solution. I am saying some because they are not all alike. Modern medical insurance does not usually allow for lengthy treatments...drugs are what they use. That said, i resisted medication for my son for several years, like the other mom and I too think it might have hurt his self esteem. Self esteem is what finally convinced me to use medication. From what i have read, there is no real definitive test for ADD. There is a list of symptoms and if you have more than a certain number of them then you have ADD. You should review the list (you can get a pamphlet from the school or doctor) and see for yourself.
I have also heard that the drugs do not work if the patient does not have ADD, but you must be comfortable with using them before you do. Good luck and remember you can always change your treatment plan if you are not happy with it. (Just because you agree to use drugs does not mean you cannot stop whenever you like)
I have also heard that the drugs do not work if the patient does not have ADD, but you must be comfortable with using them before you do. Good luck and remember you can always change your treatment plan if you are not happy with it. (Just because you agree to use drugs does not mean you cannot stop whenever you like)