3 Things to Eliminate Before Choosing Medicine
I think just about everyone has heard about ADHD. Over the years, it has garnered a lot of publicity as being the most over diagnosed condition in children and the most over medicated.
Generally, I am not one to agree with the mass media’s opinions. But on this one…. maybe….
I am a believer in better living through pharmaceuticals (to a certain extent). Without them I would no longer have two children or a husband and you would be seeing/reading about me on the 6 O’clock news with statements from all saying things like “she just went bat shit crazy“!
But…with children, you have to rule out all other possibilities for the behavior before you can slap a label on his forehead and a patch on his ass.
The following is a short list of things to eliminate before you make the medical, life changing decision (yes life changing, these medicines can have a very adverse affect on their growth) to put your kiddo on meds.
- First — have an allergy test done, but also include a sensitivity panel. Some kids behavior can change dramatically when you eliminate food allergens (even to ones they are only “sensitive” to). This could include dyes in food, detergents on clothes, even mommy’s perfume. Find out and eliminate the culprits, wait a period of two to four weeks and re-evaluate your child’s behavior.
- Second — Have a sleep study done. Many (many, many, many) children do not get the proper amount of sleep. Maybe your kiddo needs more hours than he is currently getting. And some kiddos like my child have a sleeping condition such as sleep apnea. This condition can result in “huge behavior” problems because they are constantly trying to over compensate for being sleepy. It can also be very dangerous, so it is important to know and eliminate this as a potential cause of behavior.
- Third — If you seriously don’t think either one of these avenues is viable, please consider a Starbucks account. Stop laughing. Hear me out. Caffeine has a modifying effect on hyperactivity. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but alas it is true (google it peeps). I know a lot of parents try strong caffeine drinks like Mountain Dew or even Red Bull, however, those tend to come with a high sugar content as well. But coffee, well that you can adjust to taste (or black tea), it can be hot or cold and is found just about everywhere. (Added bonus, if your kiddo has allergies or asthma, drinking hot, caffeinated liquids really helps keep their lungs expanded for easier breathing.)
Or you could just do the easy thing and badger your pediatrician for medicine.
Your choice…….. Just sayin’…….
A little extra effort in the beginning to weed out reasons for the behavior could result in a happier kiddo without jumping on the “I’m medicated” band wagon. And please, also consider the possibility, that maybe, just maybe, the kid is not “hyper” just active. There are children who are not, natural born couch potatoes and passive participants in life. Some kids are born to move, your job is to teach them to move through life safely, with great joy and enthusiasm!
Stay Safe & Stay Informed!
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Hi there Lanie,
I am SO happy to see you included allergies/sensitivities in your list. My daughter (12 now) has multiple challenges: adhd, ocd, anxiety, allergies. We tried meds very briefly for the adhd but ended up testing for allergies and sensitivities. eliminating problem foods as well as processed food additives/dyes and refined sugar make a huge difference for her. I’m always saying: she doesn’t ACTUALLY have adhd. she has allergies.
I am so glad you figured out her exact problem issues. So many times behavior is merely a symptom of something else entirely! A lot of parents are so rushed for time, they just choose the easy way and medicate. My kiddo turned out to actually have adhd, but it was important to go through all of the steps I did! Thanks for stoping by, come back again soon! Take care! Lanie