It surprises me to hear that a psychologist would discourage parents from seeking medical help for a child who
is struggling. Ds3 was getting C's and D's in school. He had very few friends because he was too hyper and annoying for most people, including his siblings. It was impossible to take him to most public places. Now that he is seeing a behavioral therapist and we have him on Concerta with a Ritalin booster pill in the afternoons, he's doing extremely well. He gets straight A's, his class decided to appoint him class president, he has 2 girlfriends and even his siblings seek him out to play with. He can do math equations very quickly in his head which he couldn't do before the medication. The medication helps him to focus. It completely changed his life.
New studies are showing a link between adults with undiagnosed ADHD and addiction to drugs and alcohol. You should ask your psychologist if he's aware of these studies. The theory is basically, that these adults are seeking ways to slow down their hyperactive minds, use the illegal drugs and/or alcohol for that purpose and then become addicted. It's so important for children and adults to be diagnosed and get the proper help! Now, that said, it's important to get the right medication for the right person. That can be especially difficult due to the shortage of psychiatrists in certain parts of the country. I have heard of pediatricians who are not particularly patient about helping parents try out the different medications for their child. Some medications can cause severe mood swings and other difficult symptoms (Vyvanse and Focalin did this to our son. Yet those work well for friends of ours). The key is to find the medication that works while causing the fewest side effects possible. What side effects are you willing to deal with? The Concerta and Ritalin work amazingly well for Ds3 but they cause some OCD, a bit of anxiety and he picks at his skin. We are working with his therapist to find ways to deal with his skin picking and he is taking Prozac for his anxiety and OCD. The Prozac is helping his anxiety wonderfully.
If I were you, I'd try to find a therapist who is more on board with your goals. I know how hard that can be. Maybe start looking and asking for referrals now while continuing with this psychologist. But I'd straight up let him know that you are leaning towards medication and ask him if he be will able to get behind your decision and support you.
Last edited by gatorsmom; 01-02-2017 at 02:26 AM.
" I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent." Mahatma Gandhi
"This is the ultimate weakness of violence: It multiplies evil and violence in the universe. It doesn't solve any problems." Martin Luther King, Jr.