Posted by psychobot5000 on October 6, 2006, at 0:35:14
In reply to Re: ADD Help Needed For Teenage Daughter!, posted by BUCKEYE FAN on October 4, 2006, at 10:20:47
Hi,
I'm going to be the one to say: I think the traditional ADHD drugs should probably be the first thing you try. There are lots of other angles out there, but despite all the bad press, they very effective medications, and reasonably safe.
Most of the lay public, including journalists, don't understand too much about Methylphenidate/Ritalin or Adderall or Dexedrine. But they get scared because:
1: millions of kids are prescribed it.
2: Often it's not the kid, but the parent that makes the decision, with pressure from teachers and schools.
3: One of the medications is related to a street drug.This fear effects their reporting.
Your daughter sounds to me like a classic case of 'Inattentive ADHD.' If so, she has would most likely (75-80% chance) get a legitimate medical benefit from stimulants (methylphendate or the others), for a legitimate medical need. The reason doctors continue to prescribe them is because they work so very well, and because the medical community generally considers the risks to be modest in comparison with the benefit.
There are some questions, however--the medications generally cause a -slight- increase in the stress on the heart. (methylphenidate/ritalin is generally the best on this, with dexedrine in the middle, and Adderall having the strongest effects on the heart) Family history of heart disease matters, but in any case, she should probably get an electrocardiogram. It's a simple procedure, and takes only a few minutes, and will tell you a lot about whether her heart is healthy. If so, stimulants are probably the best way to go.
Other concerns, though, are a history of serious drug-dependence in her family (her mother, father, sister and brother, mostly), and another possible disorder. You would also want to check to see that your daughter doesn't have another cause, like depression--which can also cause symptoms of poor concentration and focus. Parents can overlook this sort of thing sometimes!
The traditional drugs, methylphenidate, dexedrine and adderall, when properly managed, are fairly low-risk. If you have a conscientious provider, or if you are willing to put in the effort to manage your child's care (which you clearly seem to be), I'm sure it will be fine, though there is some degree risk in ANY drug or herbal treatment. If used properly, they are likely to be very benign and helpful to your daughter.
Methylphenidate and the others are very, very well-studied (over a 50 year period for methylphenidate, and a 70 year period for the dexedrine), so they are very well understood. The risks are relatively well-known and possible to deal with. There has always been controversy over them, because they can be abusable or dangerous in the wrong hands, or when used without proper care. I see no reason to believe that these would be the case with your daughter, though. She seems well taken care of. :)
I apologize if this is too long--I guess I've seen the benefit these meds can give, and so am passionate about it.
I very much hope you find something that works,
P-botPS As others have suggested, same antidepressants are a good secondary choice--though they have their own risks and benefits.
poster:psychobot5000
thread:691739
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061003/msgs/692288.html