Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by best-selling author and board-certified counselor @StephanieSarkis to discuss #ADHD medication.
LIVE NOW
Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Dan with the Understood team. We're joined today by best-selling author and board-certified counselor @StephanieSarkis to discuss #ADHD medication.
Edie, academic therapist. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. A lot of controversy on medication around the world. I can't wait! #LDchat.
Neither @StephanieSarkis nor Understood can answer questions pertaining to your child's #ADHD medication. For personal questions related to your child's healthcare, please consult his medical professional. #LDchat
Well, I am a college student and my professor asked us to be apart of an Educational Twitter chat! I am majoring in Elementary Education and have a minor in Inclusion! Thank you for asking! #ldchat
Always go to your child's prescriber for any questions about your child's medication. If you're considering medication for #ADHD, see your pediatrician for a possible referral if they don't prescribe for ADHD. #ldchat
A1. (1/2) What is your child’s quality of life like? Family history of #ADHD? (It’s highly heritable.) Consider that if you have ADHD and take stimulant medication, you have a significantly LOWER chance of substance abuse than people with ADHD who don’t take medication. #LDchat
A1. (2/2) How much are your other strategies helping? ADHD is a neurological, biological issue – & nonmedication treatments can only help so much. It’s hard to store tools in a toolbox that can’t open. Medication allows the toolbox to open so you can store skills. #LDchat
A1 My parents want medication exerts in treating older kids with ADHD. We haven't discovered professionals who offer a variety of solutions. There's behavior management, family interventions, diet. What's the word? #LDchat
@edielovesmath Stimulant medication is still the most effective treatment for #ADHD, as seen in years of studies. In one of the questions today I'll let you know the nonmedication treatments that have the most effectiveness. #ldchat
A1 My parents want medication exerts in treating older kids with ADHD. We haven't discovered professionals who offer a variety of solutions. There's behavior management, family interventions, diet. What's the word? #LDchat
#LDchat q1: consider severity of the child’s impairment. Many parents prefer to try only strategies/skills building first. But if symptoms are strong and functioning is impaired then meds need to be considered
#LDchat q1: consider severity of the child’s impairment. Many parents prefer to try only strategies/skills building first. But if symptoms are strong and functioning is impaired then meds need to be considered
A2. Depends on your child’s age & developmental level. Ask them what questions they have. #ADHD is a medical issue just like any other. Just like people take insulin for diabetes & wear glasses for poor eyesight, people take medication for ADHD. #LDchat
#LDchat q1: if external treatments have no to limited effects, the ADHD symptoms may be too high for this to be effective without including meds. But important to recognize that meds are not the final answer, but a primer to successful strategies (one student shared this)
Stimulant medication, if working optimally, helps reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. It does not eliminate them completely. #ldchat
#LDchat q1: if external treatments have no to limited effects, the ADHD symptoms may be too high for this to be effective without including meds. But important to recognize that meds are not the final answer, but a primer to successful strategies (one student shared this)
There are certain things your young child needs to know about the medication she's taking to help with her #ADHD symptoms. #LDchathttps://t.co/hl1G0xg7WL
Sure, my own experiences. When my medication is "on board", I'm able to read through something once and process; I'm able to sit completely still; I'm able to hold a thought until a break in conversation; I'm a better driver; I have extra seconds to review decisions. #ldchat
To continue how stimulant medication helps me, I'm also better able to review my work before I send it in. I also am able to develop a step-by-step plan before tackling a project. It also helps me be more cognizant of my mood. #ldchat
Sure, my own experiences. When my medication is "on board", I'm able to read through something once and process; I'm able to sit completely still; I'm able to hold a thought until a break in conversation; I'm a better driver; I have extra seconds to review decisions. #ldchat
Here are some important topics to raise with your tween or teen about #ADHD medication, and ways to help her understand. #LDchathttps://t.co/kmbWqrAj5c
#LDchat q2: just be honest but not overly technical. If any reservations, find out why and then address them. Use analogies (like glasses for the brain). Identify goals for treatment like better focus in class or better socializing. Show how meds can help with it.
When talking with kids and parents, I refer to #ADHD, depression, & anxiety as "brain issues", as they are medical issues just like any other in the body. #ldchat
#LDchat q2: just be honest but not overly technical. If any reservations, find out why and then address them. Use analogies (like glasses for the brain). Identify goals for treatment like better focus in class or better socializing. Show how meds can help with it.
A3.(1/2) If you feel your child isn’t being their usual self or your child says they feel “off”, let your doctor know. They would rather you tell them now than wait until your next appt. Also, growth spurts may necessitate a change in dosage. #LDchat
A3. (2/2) Also, some meds work better for some people than others.If anyone in your family has taken medication for ADHD, let the doctor know the medication and whether it worked or not for that family member.Genetics plays large role in ADHD and medication effectiveness. #ldchat
#LDchat q3: if old symptoms return or increase in frequency or intensity. If side effects persist and cause problems. Ongoing monitoring is a must. But consider overall trend not just one ‘off day’. Also consider other confounding life factors that could affect behaviours.
Most experts agree that #ADHD medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD. But it doesn't work for 20 to 30 percent of kids, according to the CDC. #LDchathttps://t.co/tv7xDdSbu9
A3 Many older kids with ADHD suffer from serious side effects from medication. Parents are especially concerned about sleeplessness, erratic behavior, selling medication/drug to others. #LDchat
Working with the prescriber to fine-tune your child's #ADHD medication can help manage possible side effects, such as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. #LDchathttps://t.co/QzGKZaT5El
Just to put that in context - some of this data is due to people not taking the medication regularly - very important to use a pill container and watch your child take their medication. Your child should not be in charge of their own medication - you are in charge of it. #ldchat
Most experts agree that #ADHD medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD. But it doesn't work for 20 to 30 percent of kids, according to the CDC. #LDchathttps://t.co/tv7xDdSbu9
A4. Stimulant meds remain most effective #ADHD treatment. However, exercise, mindfulness meditation, adequate sleep, school accommodations, cognitive-behavioral therapy, coaching, Omega 3-6-9 (somewhat) can help. These can be done w/ or w/o medication. #LDchat
Great tips! I tell my son that based on how his brain processes things, we just need an assist (using the meds), just like mom needs that jar opening doohickey to open a jar. 😊
@mbenko23, what a great idea, to describe medication like an assist or tool. We all need additional assistance throughout our lives, medication is no different. #ldchat
Great tips! I tell my son that based on how his brain processes things, we just need an assist (using the meds), just like mom needs that jar opening doohickey to open a jar. 😊
#LDchat q4: many! Like structuring, behaviour/environmental adjustments, collaborative problem solving, mindfulness, regular green time and physical activities, family/parental education.
"I feel like we've at least figured out how to manage one piece of the #ADHD puzzle—physical exercise. It makes the rest of my son's life possible." #LDchathttps://t.co/gDmLcmgzBu
Q4. There are many ways to help ADHD without medications. Sleep, exercise, meditation, music, and eating and avoiding certain foods can all help! #ldchat
