Posted by Sulpicia on April 10, 2001, at 18:17:26
In reply to Re: new dealing with Adderall , posted by deanlinda on April 9, 2001, at 21:17:35
> Hi--
keep in mind this is from an adult who takes adderall.
If your daughter is hyperactive, you should see a decrease
almost immediately. If inattention is the problem, it may be
trickier to judge. One thing to do is give her the dose on a
weekend and see for yourself. Perhaps you could give her
something to read? It's difficult to suggest since I don't
know the problematic area[s].
Ideally, when adderall works, the child will be able to focus
on task. YOu might ask her whether it's been easier to read?
Now, I offer the following not to freak you out, but to let you
know that ADD/HD is a bit of minefield to deal with.
The rule of thumb is that the med dose is never right the first time.
10mgs is high [not unusually so]; if the dose is on the high side it
can actually increase ADD/HD symptoms. Might the doc agree to a trial
of 5mgs and 5 more at lunch? The dose may be too low. If you don't see
any improvement clearly you have to speak up.
Adderall doesn't work for everyone, unfortunately. If you've done the dose
changes, and observed and talked to her and her teachers, your doc will probably
suggest a trial on another med. There are plenty so don't give up.The other parts of treating ADD/HD are school accomodations and therapy.
If you're in a public school, this probably means a formal assessment and
an IEP -- which you design with the school to help her learn. And when they
foul it up, it's legally actionable.
Therapy: costly, difficult to find skilled clinicians etc, but absolutely
necessary. ADD/HD is more than just being hyper and spacing out. We have lots of
trouble interpreting social cues and this can lead to a very rough time socially, and
of course, emotionally.Now the really important stuff: ADD/HD *loves* comorbid company. It brings along
its friends depression, bipolar disorder, tourette's syndrome, and OCD. It's a given
that every adult I know with ADD/HD has depression. I think with successful early treatment
you may be able to avoid this. I'm not trying to scare you -- just remember to keep an eye
out in case you see something going on.Last but not least [you must loathe this post by now], if her learning is not improved with
medication and therapy and educational accomodation, you will probably want to consider testing
for learning disabilities, another common comorbid.Now that I've made you ill with worry, let me reassure a bit. ADD/HD, depression, and dyslexia
are my personal companions. It's no picnic, but with the proper treatment, it's just fine. And
some days, even great.
S. :)
ps: I'm very impressed with your decision to try the meds. Not every parent is
so perceptive as to realize that self-esteem is all-important.
poster:Sulpicia
thread:18089
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/59350.html