ritalen

[orbsycli]

I guess I shouldn't test at all.

[Fishteacher73]

I am torn over the use of Ritalin. My son is textbook case of ADD. Soccer is a bit tricky for him; he gets side-tracked into a mud-puddle, or some grass, or another player, or his shoes, etc. He has a very difficult time paying attention to directions and then staying on task. While I have seen some positive results from stimulants in ADD patients, I have also seen (as per my prior post) some negative results. Anyone familiar with alternative methods, ie games or techniques that help strengthen the ability to concentrate and reduce the need for medication?

[IrishEyes]

First, for some links...

This site has some interesting info on Methylphenidate (aka Ritalin). Pretty straightforward info, not too obviously biased or anything.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/ritalin.html

This site has some interesting suggestions to dealing with those pesky ADHD/ADD kids in school. (that was a joke, as I am both married to one, and the mother of *probably* a few ). Good suggestions though.
http://www.addinschool.com/alternative.htm

This one is by an MD who seems just a bit against using drugs on kids. I haven't had the time to figure out why he's so against it, if it's more than just the obvious "kids shouldn't be on drugs", or if it's a personal thing. I didn't check all of the links that go with this one, but the ones I did check were interesting.
http://www.breggin.com/ritalin.html

[IrishEyes]

Now, stepping away from the Admin role and putting on my "Mommy" hat...

Drugs are bad, kids. Don't do them. ( that's just in case the almost-teen starts reading over my shoulder, or logs on later...)

nossy482... WOW! Reading your story was like reading something my husband might have written, except that he's never been married before me, and he codes instead of writes. Most everything else was spookily familiar though. He sometimes thinks I'm nagging him when I remind him repeatedly of things. That's ok though, I keep reminding, in the hopes that he will actually remember. It IS frustrating sometimes. But then I think of him medicated, and it freezes my heart. He just wouldn't be him if his thoughts were focused, his feet didn't tap when sitting still for more than 2 minutes, and he didn't always ask me what we are doing tonight. (my new answer has been... oh wait, that almost teen may read this, so I better keep it clean, but you get the picture!)

As for my kids, they are VERY high energy. That's what I 'label' them, because that's what they are. I have two boys that are 150% boy. I have 4 girls that have no signs of hyperactivity, unless it's after a birthday party or a Grandma is visiting. Speaking of Grandma's... (not mine this time!)... Hubby's mom once suggested that we put our oldest boy on Ritalin, as he showed the same personality traits as hubby. Needless to say, that conversation ended with a slamming door, and a very quiet ride home to Virginia from Ohio. Hubby's parents had him diagnosed and medicated as a young one, and it 'worked' great, as long as he took his meds, or so the story goes from them. From him, he will admit that he was better able to focus, but felt the same resentment that you mention, knowing his life was only "normal" when he was drugged. So he quit. He just stopped taking them. That was not an easy decision, and he occasionally wonders if he shouldn't have stopped. But I'm glad he did.

How does he manage now, since it obviously didn't just disappear? Well, he manages himself pretty well. And we work on things together. And I try to remind myself of all the wonderful things his mind does instead of remembering silly tings like anniversaries. And a Palm Pilot is a MUST. He will NOT take an office with a window. Nor will he listen to music with words while working (classical is better anyway, right?). He leaves most of the 'details' of life to me, which is both very trusting, very empowering, and very frustrating sometimes. But we work it out. If he lived in a fog, I think I would miss all of the crazy things that just fall right out of his mouth. He truly is an amazing man, and his brain works in such a unique way that I'd be insane to mess with it.

Our children will not be medicated, unless they choose that as adults. That's something we both agree on, and I see no reason to change it. I don't understand parents, or teachers, that think it's ok to medicate kids into submission. I've heard "oh, but you don't know my kids" so many times, and you're right - I don't. I knw mine. And whatever they are, or however they behave, it's up to ME, as a responsible parent, to find ways to direct their energy in constructive ways. End of story.

Oh, and Fish... try ditching soccer and going for track. That's a fairly individual sport, so the rest of the team won't suffer if he spaces off. Or get him a skateboard. Just be sure to buya helmet. And finally, who cares if he's more interested in mud puddles than the soccer game. Games are boring when you're out there with nothing to do. Who cares? (not to criticize, just to suggest that maybe he's in the wrong sport. My hubby did great in drama, singing, wrestling, and football, so maybe give those a look.

[IrishEyes]

Ok, one last thing...
If you're interested in alternatives to Ritalin, you simply MUST check this link. It was an incredibly fascinating read for me, and explained quite a bit about the disorder that I was unaware of. Also, it gives a few suggestions on how to cope, including some homepathic suggestions. I don't know how you feel about homeopathy, but I thought I'd include it for you, Fish. Hope all works out well. Give that kid a hug, will ya? I'm sure you do anyhow, but give 'em another one. You can never get too many hugs as a kid, especially when you think there may be something 'wrong' with you...

http://www.vaxa.com/636.cfm

[OpenMind5]

I must say the idea of increse focus and attention could get a few more thigns done...but i must wonder if you can become too focused...

Originally Posted by orbsycli

be fascinated, on your knees, screaming at the top of your lungs at dirt, because dirt is amazing.

LOL! That line made me laugh.

Op5

[orbsycli]

hah, seen it with my own two eyes.

oy, i must say, good posts irisheyes!

[Buffy]

Originally Posted by IrishEyes

Our children will not be medicated, unless they choose that as adults. That's something we both agree on, and I see no reason to change it. I don't understand parents, or teachers, that think it's ok to medicate kids into submission. I've heard "oh, but you don't know my kids" so many times, and you're right - I don't. I knw mine. And whatever they are, or however they behave, it's up to ME, as a responsible parent, to find ways to direct their energy in constructive ways. End of story.

All I can say is: amen. Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world. ADD is a really tough call. On the other hand, I've got a close friend with a kid who is full-blown bipolar, and without drugs, this kid--and my friend--might not even be alive today. I have strong suspicions that our medical system is all to ready to overmedicate, but at the same time, you have to be very careful before you decide whether *your* kid needs it or not.

No easy answers here at all.

Cheers,
Buffy

[Buffy]

Originally Posted by IrishEyes

Oh, and Fish... try ditching soccer and going for track. That's a fairly individual sport, so the rest of the team won't suffer if he spaces off. Or get him a skateboard.

Individual sports are horridly underated (OpenMind: you gonna jump in here?). ADD or not, lots of kids (I was one of em) just don't do well in team sports or other situations which depend heavily on coordinated behavior. I personally was turned off by the hierarchy of team "sports" (okay, mine was cheerleading), and whether its not being satisfied being an "athletic supporter" or actually being ridiculed for not being able to keep up, you're better off track, tennis, skateboarding, whatever. The ability to practice concentration and more importantly getting some satisfaction out of accomplishing something is invaluable to any kid.

Cheers,
Buffy

[Aki]

Do not use Ritalin, it's bad for you. I know the FDA thinks it's good, but really it's bad for your body. The FDA is just covering all the negative results so people would buy it, so they could make more money.