Note: I obtained my son’s consent prior to writing this article.
The prevalence of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) diagnoses is increasing, often influenced by factors beyond mere medical necessity. There are narratives about educational institutions encouraging parents to seek diagnoses to boost academic performance metrics. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding pharmaceutical companies promoting medications for children who may simply exhibit impatience or typical behavioral issues. While dietary factors, particularly sugar, have been implicated as potential contributors to ADD/ADHD, research does not consistently support these claims. Regardless, it is crucial to recognize that many children genuinely experience ADD/ADHD and benefit from appropriate medication. Unfortunately, parents of children with these conditions often face undue blame for their child’s difficulties.
My son was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 8 after his teacher raised concerns. While my husband and I had hoped his struggles with focus were merely developmental, we soon realized that he exhibited traits characteristic of ADD. He was not disruptive in class or unruly at home; instead, he was a restless and easily distracted child who found solace in screen time—an observation common among children with ADD. His cognitive abilities were overshadowed by his ADD, resulting in academic performance that fell short of our expectations. As a precaution, he was placed on a 504 Plan to ensure he received the necessary support, though applying this plan was often met with resistance from some educators, necessitating my intervention.
No parent relishes the thought of medicating their child. The decision to medicate our son was not made lightly; however, witnessing the positive impact it had on him was immensely relieving. Contrary to popular belief, medication was not a miraculous cure that transformed him from a distracted student into an exemplary one. While it provided some assistance, it took years of dedicated parenting and his own development to align his maturity and self-motivation with his intellectual potential, regardless of medication.
Managing his medication throughout his childhood and teenage years proved challenging. There were moments when he was overmedicated, leading to a zombie-like state, prompting us to reduce his dosage. As he entered adolescence and experienced significant growth spurts, we had to adjust his medication yet again. A particularly regrettable decision came during his junior year of high school when we consulted a new psychiatrist who drastically reduced his dosage by nearly 80 percent. This led to a marked decline in his academic performance and behavior, and I often reflect on how our lack of trust in our instincts contributed to this setback.
I firmly believe that my son’s ADD diagnosis was accurate. Was his diet flawless? Certainly not. Were we as consistent in our approach as we could have been? Perhaps not. However, the essence of his being appeared to stabilize with medication. Would forgoing medication in favor of rigorous dietary restrictions and behavioral modifications have been preferable? We concluded that we did not want to jeopardize his well-being while we sought an elusive solution. For children with ADD, the challenges extend beyond academics; they affect overall quality of life.
Ultimately, my son’s journey towards managing his condition has been marked by maturity. At 21, on the verge of graduating from college, he has developed a keen understanding of when to take his medication—primarily for academic purposes—and when it is unnecessary. He consults a mental health professional monthly for his prescription, rather than a general practitioner. He has become an engaged student, utilizing university resources to ensure his success. Whether he will continue medication into adulthood is uncertain, but that decision rests with him.
To those who dismiss ADD/ADHD as mere figments of overindulgent parenting or external influences, I pose this question: If your child faced a legitimate health issue, such as asthma or allergies, would you prefer to medicate them or experiment with untested dietary or behavioral changes? Would you risk your child’s well-being while waiting for a solution? We did not.
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In summary, my son’s experience with ADD has been a blend of medication management, personal growth, and parental guidance. The decision to medicate, while difficult, ultimately facilitated his ability to thrive in an academic environment and fostered his independence as he transitions into adulthood.
Keyphrase: ADD medication decision
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