<p>Was on them, tried different types, different dosages, but he suffered from appetite suppression and "tics". So he has had to learn to compensate naturally. He is 15, but no disciplinary problems, but grades suffer from his inablity to "stay focused". Unlike his siblings who have thrived in the academic setting, he has struggled but has not lost hope. He has a very good teacher in a well regarded public motessori program and a supportive family. Having successfully navigated the college prep and college landscape with his older siblings, there is confidence here to help him find his niche. Still searching for the key or the epiphany that will help him to overcome or better manage his difficulties related to the ADHD.</p>
<p>Older S took meds for about 3 years. Schoolwork and behavior was much better during those times. Never took them when he was home, so I personally didn't get to see him under the influence. After he was about 14, he refused to take them -- said he wasn't ADHD. </p>
<p>Grades suffered as a result. He would take the meds before taking SAT, however, which may have helped him avoid the so-called careless errors. However, since he always got about 99th percentile on the state testing (which was much easier than the SAT), not sure if the meds did help him on the SAT.</p>
<p>We tried some kind of expensive biofeedback like treatment for ADD younger S. It didn't work. I can't remember if he tried meds, but if he did, he, too, refused to take them after a while. Now, that he's in a college that he loves, he seems to have found the self discipline to get his work done on time and well.</p>
<p>I was diagnosed as ADD when I was 50. Used meds for about 8 months when I was on a job that required lots of travel. The meds did help, but I really didn't like to take meds. Sometimes, I also found that I became overly talkative and emotional (brought to tears when hearing sad stories) -- signs that the meds were making me display manic type behavior. People seemed to find me quite charming and friendly when I was acting that way, but I didn't like it, so decided to quit the meds altogether.</p>
<p>Do pass along to kids who are ADHD/ADD that use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes could lead to their getting hooked. I think it's because those things can make them feel normal. I know that my older S, who had a musical group, decided at age 19 to go on stage while smoking a cigarette to look cool. So, he tried one to practice. He then went on to smoke an entire pack, and since then has smoked regularly.</p>
<p>Before that, he had been someone who hated smoking so much that when he was 5, he was telling strangers not to smoke.</p>
<p>Regardless of the probs that can occur, I think that ADD/ADHD are positive personality traits that can lead to joy and success if the people with those temperments are channeled into fields that match their interests and creativity.</p>
<p>We don't use them at home either but I have seen him under the influence. Sigh. I find myself saying "what's wrong with you?. He seems grim.</p>
<p>I can't decide if I think it's cool or creepy that the ads on the left column of my screen are all about ADHD. Sometimes I feel like we're having a private conversation in this forum, but I know we're not. </p>
<p>Anyway, will you all tell me at what age your sons were diagnosed as ADD? I've only recently begun to suspect it in my 15-year-old. And hearing your experiences, I'm not sure I'd want him to do the meds anyway.</p>
<p>My S was early on about 6 or 7 years old. Interesting how many AA kids are listed with that classification,(ADD,ADHD, LD) particularly AA males as compared with the general population.</p>
<p>Younger S diagnosed ADD at age 15. People without hyperactivity are diagnosed later because they fly under the radar since they aren't causing problems in school at home. They tend to be quiet daydreamers.</p>
<p>Older S diagnosed at 9 after we moved to a new state. Before that, he had been in a private school (incidentally a 100% black one) that had attracted a large number of energetic boys, but had the structure and patience to create an environment in which such kids flourished. Hard to find places like that....</p>
<p>I had never thought S was ADHD probably because he had the energy that my brother had, so I thought being extremely active was normal and expected for boys. S also was highly verbal, smart, and creative, so I also found him very entertaining. Of course, those really can be very positive traits of people with ADHD that can help them excel in the right environments and fields.</p>
<p>I do think that African American males are more likely than are others to be ADHD, and I think that those traits helped them survive the brutal, unforgiving institution of slavery and excel in hunter gatherer cultures. When put in the right environments, they also can flourish in many modern careers and environments, and it would be wonderful if more people recognized this and helped create spaces (in addition to athletics) where our guys could excel, be successful and use their remarkable talents to benefit others.</p>
<p>
[quote]
S also was highly verbal, smart, and creative, so I also found him very entertaining.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Sounds like me (smile). I used to attribute those personality traits to me being a Saggitarius, lol, but now I see it was the ADD. Those attributes are definitely a double edged sword, as I can recall a sharp witted impulsive tongue can be used for entertainment ( I still refer to myself as the "poor mans" Dave Chapelle) or can result in some backhands to the "grill" I not so fondly recall from my elders. Through trial and error, with a lot of emphasis on the latter, I'm still learning to compensate, but I've been fortunate.</p>
<p>As I said before, even though my job is to label people for money (not really but I hate that part), I hate the "ADD" label. I think it's on the spectrum of normal behavior, but with some significant risks in our society. So I'll just say my son has been on stimulants since he was four. He was "difficult" since infancy but after a few months in preschool ( 4 y.o.), we were told he had the "thickest file" there. What finally broke my heart was going for a class visit many months later; "early kindergarden" and watching him take "the special seat" away from the other kids, as if that was his place. He'd always just scribbled when "writing" was required but I remember the creepy amazement of watching him color every feather on a turkey a different color when he took medicine just before his fifth birthday. Like me and my bro, having an older sib with a stellar reputation has helped. I am still ambivalent about it, and at 15 we've given him a chance off needs once a year for the last several years, but about a year ago be "pansted" some kid at school, got suspended (again) and the kid pressed assault charges! This was a kid my son helped out when other kids where bullying him. If and when be puts his foot down, that will be the end of medicine Recently he said lee plans to stop because "he doesn't feel like himself" but restart in college.</p>
<p>Something recently brought to my attention ( I think it means after 24 months of combined medication management and behavior therapy, behavior therpay alone was just as good...)</p>
<p>CONCLUSIONS: By 36 months, the earlier advantage of having had 14 months of the medication algorithm was no longer apparent, possibly due to age-related decline in ADHD symptoms, changes in medication management intensity, starting or stopping medications altogether, or other factors not yet evaluated.</p>
<p>I'd like to play a bit of contrarian here. Say your child needed glasses. You would buy them, right? You wouldn't buy them too strong; you wouldn't buy them too weak. That's how I view Concerta and all of the other drugs. Used judiciously and appropriately they can bring a child who is slightly off path back on the road to success.</p>
<p>With the exception of those 'divets' embedded in your septum, there aren't the concerns of side effects wearing glasses either. But I do get your point. For us, the risks outweighed the results/rewards.</p>
<p>Good point Madville. Although debatable, this was being debated on a psychiatry forum after the recent recommendations for kids on stimulants to have EKG's.I agree Triguena,I use the same analogy in My practice; sure you could stumble around with your hands out, but why would you? Wwhat do you make of the outcome study in the link? It's suggesting you get the same outcome using skills like organization and time management with or without long term use (greater then two years ) of stimulants . I've seen that in adult studies as well.</p>
<p>First of all let's agree that I have a study sample of n=1. I did try but failed to see any long term effect of organizational counseling, etc. Fact of the matter is there is a physical problem that had to be solved. Yes, I agree the side effects were difficult--especially the loss in appetite. We tried nutritional supplements, serving only his favorite foods, loading up on calorie supplements (energy bars). Nothing worked. </p>
<p>But to beat my vision analogy to death, the same thing happened to me when I turned that magic age of the onset of prespreopia (sp??). I had to get my glasses strenghthened for my myopia and when I did I got massive massive headaches when I read. You guessed it--time for bifocals. What I am saying is that side effects have to be addressed and managed.</p>
<p>We worked with DS's pediatrician and got the right mix of meds and haven't looked back. His schoolwork blossomed. His self esteem sky rocketed. I am not an MD but it might have made a difference in my case that DS did not have any other problems like hyperactivity, oppositional issues, etc. He just had attention deficent.</p>
<p>Well I struggle with this outcome study too. At the very least, it must reduce the rate of infanticide! At least in my house. </p>
<p>P.S. I do have to admit there is plenty of grief in spite off the medication but the same time, I believe things could be a lot worse.</p>
<p>I was driving, listening to the radio. There were snippets of the UM graduation when I was hit with a revelation....</p>
<p>I am going to cry like a baby at my daughter's graduation, and probably at all the pre-grad activities..</p>
<p>Bring on the tissues!!!!</p>
<p>pffft i get weepy just thinking about it - lol</p>
<p>Silvermoonlock, cry, weep, welp--you earned it! I cry at the slightest provocation. Heck, I was a wreck during those pre-school Christmas pagents.</p>
<p>Harmony2--where did your son decide to attend?</p>
<p>I wept Sunday watching my D "acolyte" (altar girl) for the last time. I kept remembering when she used to color in the pews.</p>
<p>Update: DS has visited Williams and WOW! Between the adcom and the student tour guide who was excellent, DS is torn. Before we made the trip today, Amherst was the favorite. It really looks like he would be splitting hairs now. The isolation of the Berkshires don't faze him and the campus and people are beautiful. Given where he was when I first found this place (CC), it's a nice place to be. Opportunities for him beyond my wildest dreams. One last shot for Amherst. His second visit in two weeks tomorrow. Some great insights from the adcoms that i'll be sharing when he finally makes his choice tomorrow in classic CPT! Lol! One little nugget, if you do have the chance to visit any of these types of schools( Amherst, Williams, Rice, Vandy, Swat Middlebury) don't sleep on them. Visit, THEN make your decision. They talk the talk, and walk the walk($$$) In case you aint' heard me,($$$$$$$). This has been our experience. I understand results may vary for others. Updates soon.
Peace,
Madville</p>
<p>Hi All,</p>
<p>It has been an exciting and nail biting three weeks.
Triguena, as of Sunday, DS has decided to attend Univ. of Penn. He was really torn between Duke and Penn but Duke's financial aid award was not as good as Penn's. Hopefully, he will mail the decision and deposit tomorrow.</p>
<p>madville; Sounds sweeeeet!</p>
<p>Oh, and D sent sir to Duke yesterday.</p>
<p>P.S. Harmony! You snuck that in. Still hoping we meet someday.</p>