Originally Posted by
StantonHyde
The Chief Medical Officer at the psych hospital where I work gave a great lecture on ADHD meds. (he is a child psychiatrist) His take on this is that the meds help program the brain for pathways that include positive interactions. When kids are not medicated their brains are programmed to be in a constant stress/impulse mode. He recommends that kids with ADHD that impairs social functioning be medicated 7 days a week-no breaks. They need to learn how to have positive interactions. So meds plus therapy plus "social coaching" classes for kids are really key. Ask your doctor if they have a list of recommended classes for kids. Call a local childrens hospital or clinic--they often host them. One of our local school districts hosts them as well.
This is exactly what our psychologist told us. It's like making regular pathways of thinking. As they get in the habit of thinking a certain way, they develop "ruts" in the brain where their thoughts just naturally follow those new ruts. Our psych explained that eventually as he builds these regular ways of thinking, he might be able to go off the meds. Social coaching classes or regular meetings with a behavioral psychologist can help tremendously.
ETA that anxiety can piggyback some forms of ADHD (per our behavioral psychologist) and antidepressants can really help with social situations too.
Last edited by gatorsmom; 08-05-2020 at 11:48 PM.
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