This week I received a Safety Communication from the FDA about stimulant medication to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that concerned me. I know several children who take or have taken these meds. Their parents tell me they make a world of difference. My niece we medicated for the disorder, and my therapist believes I was among the undiagnosed children before the condition was a household name. I am fully aware that ADHD runs in families and my very active son could be affected.

Earlier this week, the FDA alerted consumers that it is continuing an ongoing review of ADHD meds because of reports of sudden cardiac death in healthy children. The events are part of a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Because of the study’s limitations, the FDA urges parents not to stop a child’s stimulant medication based on this information and to discuss concerns about the use of these medications with the health care professional who prescribed the medications.

The study, which is funded by the FDA and the National Institute of Mental Health, compared the use of stimulant medications in 564 healthy children from across the United States who died suddenly, to the use of stimulant medications in 564 children who died as passengers in a motor vehicle accident. The study’s authors concluded that there may be an association between the use of stimulant medications and sudden death in healthy children.

The FDA raises concerns about the data content because of a number of factors: a significant lag time between dates when the deaths occurred and collection of the data; the difference in circumstances of death varied between family or caregiver; sudden, unexplained death in a child would be more likely to trigger a post-mortem inquiry into the cause of death than death due to blunt force trauma as a result of a motor vehicle collision; and there was a low frequency of stimulant use reported in both the study group and the control group.

The agency advises that any child who develops cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting during stimulant medication treatment should immediately be seen by a doctor.

The FDA is continuing to review the strengths and limitations of this and other epidemiological studies and the agency along with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality are sponsoring a large epidemiological study that will provide further information about the potential for risks associated with stimulant medication use in children. That data is expected to be completed in late 2009.

Photo, foxumon, stock exchg

Post from: Blisstree

FDA reviews link between ADHD meds, deaths

I know why and so do you. It is an out…a way for parents to justify the bad behavior and not have to put effort into parenting. Now, before you get hot under the collar and yell at me, know this: I do believe that ADD/ADHD and other common childhood disorders are real. My own son was diagnosed with ADHD, among other things. However, we do not use it an excuse to allow him to act out. He also knows that if he chooses to act out, that there will be consequences. Maybe not the same consequences that his siblings without ADHD are subject to, but one that is tailored to his need for patient, gentle discipline and a large amount of teaching/redirecting.

I think that the whole ADHD/ADD epidemic is getting out of control. Foods are being made for convenience and have terrible side effects on the body and mind. Television and video games are too easy to use as babysitters. Parents are becoming too involved in their own lives and look to convenient methods of controlling undesirable behavior (medication is one of the biggest tools that parents are currently seeking out.) In my opinion, it is being abused. If more parents of hyperactive, lethargic, or out of control children would put more effort into treating their children through diet, behavior modification techniques and supplements, instead of passing the buck and opting for convenience, their kids would be much better off in the long run. Sadly, I do not see this happening any time soon. In the end, it is the kids who suffer as they become adults and are unable to function in the real world, where acting uncontrollably leads to jail, chemical dependence or even premature death.

The answer? Stop making excuses and start getting more involved. What is your take on the issue?

Post from: Blisstree

Do Parents Use Disorders As An Excuse?

We decided to stop using medication to treat my son’s ADHD symptoms. We are using methods of diet, behavior modification and mineral supplements to keep him focused and calm. So far, it is working well. It isn’t easy, by any means, but it does yield results that are similar to the use of medication. The only thing I regret, is that we did not gradually wean him off. He experienced side effects that were similar to a methamphetamine addict’s withdraw. It scared the hell out of me and he suffered for a few weeks. I was livid that our pediatrician did not tell me that I had to gradually wean.

If you are considering weaning your own child off of any medication, it is vital that you consult with your Take it from me, we learned the hard way.

Post from: Blisstree

Summer Break From Medications

By the time my son entered Kindergarten, I knew that something was not right. The only time that I was not frustrated by his constantly changing moods and angry outbursts, was when he was at school or asleep. He fought me all the way to the bus stop, even though he loved his class. His teacher would often call me to discuss the possibility of getting him assessed. My mom, who never had boys, often expressed her concern for his rage and destructive tendencies. Finally, in the first grade, the doctor would allow me to have him assessed. Unfortunately, the doctor did not take the time to run all of the necessary tests. Since I did not do enough research to know any better, I allowed him to be diagnosed ADHD, just based on observation. I could just kick myself now, as I look back on it. I should have demanded a brain scan, blood tests, allergy tests, psychological testing, mineral deficiency tests, etc… I just trusted the doctor to know what he was doing. Big mistake.

Daniel started taking Focalin XR, last year. It was effective in keeping him focused at school. It made little difference at home, however. He still struggled with impulsiveness, anger and keeping still long enough to do homework. After doing a lot of research and learning that being on medication could create a dependence that could lead to later illegal substance abuse, I got scared. We took Daniel off of the medication and are seeking alternative routes to treating his ADHD symptoms. I’ve found, during my numerous hours of research, that ADHD is not a certain condition. It us merely a label that doctors slap on any child or adult with like symptoms, in order to sell more drugs. There are many methods of treating ADHD symptoms, that do not require medication. I’m not saying that all children who suffer from the same symptoms as my son, do not qualify to be diagnosed ADHD. I’m only suggesting that more parents take proactive measures in finding out whether or not their child’s symptoms are related to allergies, mineral deficiencies, or other outside factors. It would save more kids from the danger of being misdiagnosed and put on a drug that can hurt them later on in life.

Post from: Blisstree

Jumping To ADHD Conclusions

I have realized, during our struggle to help our son have the problem free life he deserves, how easy it is to judge others. I look back on times that I was out in public and saw a child having one hell of a tantrum and thinking it was due to lack of discipline. I’ve talked with moms, previous to Daniel’s diagnosis, and wondered why the heck they would subject themselves to the stress and labor of trying to control diet, modify behavior and do things naturally, when medicine was readily available to treat their child’s condition. Only after we have been forced to walk a mile in their shoes, do I fully understand their plight, the reasons behind some children’s behavior and the willingness of mothers to take on such exhausting labors.

Wow! What an epiphany this journey has been and will continue to be. I am mentally, emotionally and physically worn down to a thread. I have never been so stressed out in my life. I watch my son have withdraws and try to adjust to our new way of eating and living, with a sharp pain in my heart. I know that it isn’t easy for him. As hard as it is on me to try and guide him through and aid his recovery, it has to be torture on him to live through. My heart breaks for him, every time he fights the urge to lash out. I feel so  guilty when he has anxiety attacks and I suspect it is the result of his body adjusting to the lack of medication. If this isn’t hell, I don’t ever want to go there. I can’t imagine anything worse than watching my child suffer. My heart goes out to all of the parents who do the same, everyday. I will try to never pass judgment on another parent who sits helplessly while their child rages out of control. I will try to show compassion to parents who do things unconventionally. I will do my best to mentally walk that mile in the shoes of another, before I assume anything. It is very different to be the wearer of those shoes…uncomfortable, too tight, causing emotional blistering.

Post from: Blisstree

Trying It On For Size

Countless children labeled hyperactive are being subdued with drugs like Ritalin. But many experts think they’re just naturally boisterous – and those needless pills are causing terrifying side-effects.

I’ll be one of the first to admit that I’m one of those people I think drugs like Ritalin are being WAY over prescribed.

Before my twins began school, I had a kindergarten teacher suggest to me that both my boys may be A.D.H.D.

I found this teachers “diagnosis” to be offensive and scheduled an appointment with our highly recognized pediatrician who would offer proper diagnosis of them being “normal” boys and instructed me to let the teacher know that our doctor would like to obtain a copy of her medical license.

Teachers have a rough job!  I don’t disagree with that one bit, but I also think that any time a person pursues an education and career that deals with kids, they need to be able to handle the varied personalities of children.

They wouldn’t become firemen if they never wanted to feel the heat?  Would they?

Some children are extroverted and loud while others are quiet and reserved.  Just because a child is extrovert doesn’t mean they need drugs to calm them down and bring them under control.

Parenting is being outsourced too much the way it is.  People are popping out babies and relying on daycares and babysitters to raise them.

What interest do these people have in the adult that child becomes?  Once they reach a certain age, they’re no longer even a paycheck to them.

These are the same parents that complain time and again that they have no control over their children.

DUH!  These parents weren’t there when the personality was being formed but rather placed the kid in an environment where pecking order had more influence on their behavioral traits then they did.

Once these behavioral traits have set in and the kids “dog-eat-dog” behavior is maturing, parents then outsource parenting to drugs like Ritalin.

I’m sure there are times when the drug is beneficial and that there are kids out there who can truly benefit from the medication.  BUT the problem I have with the prescribing of these drugs is when parents pursue it for the benefit of the parent with complete disregard for the kid.

Thoughts?

Post from: Blisstree

Are too many children being labeled hyperactive?

Producers are holding an open casting call Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South in West Jordan. Bring your whole misbehavin’ brood! For more info, call the show’s casting hotline at 877-626-6984 or visit www.abc.go.com/primetime/supernanny.

“Supernanny” producers are eager to cast in Utah after last week’s episode, featuring the Goins family from Sandy and their hyperactive 7-year-old, garnered the highest ratings of the show’s third season.

Post from: Blisstree

Calling all rowdy kids and frustrated parents in Utah!

I can’t imagine even trying to place myself in Karolee’s shoes. The poor woman has her hands so full and a complete male chauvinistic pig of a husband who offers up very little help if any at all. Frankly I’m surprised the family made it this long. I’d have kicked the self centered, self serving, selfish butt to the curb long ago. I can only hope that Mr. Goins has realized, with the help of Jo Jo, what a beautiful wife he has and just how easily he could lose her and his children.

Which brings up another peeve of mine – men who think when they clock out at work they are off for the rest of the day – and it’s ‘womens’ work to take care of the kids and home. But that’s another post for another blog

In the one hour of SuperNanny on Monday night, I learned so much more about A.D.H.D. then I had ever known. Thank God my family doesn’t have those struggles and God love those who do. I never realized just how challenging one child could be when dealing with this disorder.

I’ve grown very interested in the topic. In fact, I would like to learn more of what other mothers are doing to help combat the issue or deal with it every single day?

Post from: Blisstree

SuperNanny – Meet The Goins Family

 

 

A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that watching videos as a toddler may lead to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, also called ADD in UK) in later life.

TV watching “rewires” an infant’s brain, says Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Wash. The damage shows up at age 7 when children have difficulty paying attention in school.  Full article… 

Now, considering that I can personally present my own case study, offering up TWO children, the same age, who shared the exact same daily routines, habits and schedules for the last 13 years – I’m going to say I do not agree with this study one bit!

Wanna know why?

I have one child that does very well in school while the other struggles a bit more.

Now, I’ve been told that it’s because of the “twin” thing, where one is aggressive while the other is passive, which I could see more easily than the fact they watched learning videos when they were younger.

I believe the one who struggles in school does so because the aggressive twin would always become impatient with his brother and take over doing whatever task was at hand – thus resulting in the passive twin becoming lazy.

As for the learning videos and PBS – If these doctors were at home tending to their children all day instead of hanging out in an office reading the results of studies while quietly sipping their decaf latte’ - opinions and studies might reveal something totally different.

There’s my argument – now it’s your turn!

Thanks to Angela at Oh Baby Baby for pointing this study out.

Post from: Blisstree

TV Linked to Attention Deficit