Here is my question. I have been reading this board for a few months now and there is one thing I can't seem to understand. A few of the people that post on here seem to be very quick to post replies about how stimulants are not a good source of treatment and how they can cause all kinds of damage if taken for long periods of time. Although most of these seem to be pointed towards parents who put their children on meds I can't help but feel a little insulted by these posts. I have struggled with ADD since I was a child, I am now 23 years old and still struggle with it everyday of my life. My question to all those who think that stimulants are a bad idea is, what should people like myself do instead of taking these stimulants? I personally have done therapy which helps a little but not enough. I tried Strattera which made me sick for 2 months straight. I also tried just being myself and not taking any meds but that was no good at all. I am not trying to start a big debate on meds vs no meds, I am just wondering what form of treatment those of you use who are so against stimulants?

Hi Ocean. In reply to your post I just wanted to tell you that there is a reason people talk badly about stimulants. These medications can be bad and dangerous and cause toxic drug like effects on the brain. None of these posts were directly towards you were they? If not then why feel insulted? Everyones situation is different. Most children on ADD medications truly should not be on them. But there are those who really do need medication to function. If you are in that group of people who need medication then you should not feel bad for taking it.

As for treatments other than medications:
Biofeedback
Counseling
Herbal remedies
Homeopathic remedies
Natural supplements
Learning strategie therapy
and many others are available.

ADHD is extremely over diagnosed. This means that the majority of children taking medications for it do not even have the disorder. Then there is the group that has the disorder but not to the point that they really need to be medicated (if accomodations in school were made and a natural treatment plan was implemented they would be able to function just fine) Then there is the small unlucky group of those who do not benefit from any treatment besides medication and are so severe that they are unable to function without treatment. These people are the ones who truly need to be medicated. If you are positive that you (or your child) is in this group that does not respond to any other treatments and is unable to function in everyday life without medication then you should not feel guilty for medicating. Please dont take posts personally that are not directed towards you. Everyones situation is different and the sad truth is that the majority of children taking ADHD medication do not truly need it. But SOME DO! Many agree that stimulants are bad but I have not once seen anyone on this message board say that it should NEVER be used. Most agree that it should be used much less than it is at the present time.

Oceanchic -

I have a daughter about your age and she was diagnosed with ADHD when she was in junior high. It wasn't just a decision to start throwing drugs at her, there were lots of steps the Doctor had us go through before putting her on Ritalin. We did a placebo study, and her teachers had to fill out a questionaire about how she was doing in class.

After she was placed on Ritalin there was quite a difference in her ability to concentrate, however, she still struggles with her ADHD every single day.

Never be ashamed of who you are. When people point fingers at you and cluck away about how you should or shouldn't feel, pay no attention to them. You are obviously doing all you can to be the best person you can be. If being that person means needing to take certain medications, then that's between you and your Doctor.

I see my daughter struggle in a highly stressful job, and know how hard it is for her to be successful. I have every faith in her, as I'm sure your mother does with you. The struggle is hard, but the results are definitely worth it. Somewhere out there is the answer, keep seeking it. I know you'll find it.

In the meantime, I wish you the best.