Topic: Ridalin....or the fear of god?
lilith401's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:48 AM

As for the S.S. matter, I know for fact that some still collect beyond 21 from an ages old diagnosis, by a child psychologist in the Social Services area, who listened more to what the parent said than by a thorough examination of the child. No second opinion, or follow ups, for that matter. What is at the heart of the matter for me, is what this child has learned, and where he/she's going to be doing in ten years. A productive member of society, or a lech! Children learn what they live!


If that is going on, then both the SSA and the family are at fault. In Ohio, people are provided with a recertification date just after the 18th birthday. If it is not completed with six months, the benefits cease.

But again, the problem there lies with the diagnostician....

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:49 AM

Children with ADD or ADHD.. what ever...Just channel it.. put them into sports or something else they enjoy.

people over medicate for everything.
I am in the medical field.. its to common.

PEOPLE... YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE A MEDICATION FOR EVERYTHING!
what happened back before these drugs?

We got outta line, and smacked in the head! Like I said, I don't condone it, instead I'm thankful for what I've learned by EXAMPLE!smokin

yellowrose10's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:54 AM

Children with ADD or ADHD.. what ever...Just channel it.. put them into sports or something else they enjoy.

people over medicate for everything.
I am in the medical field.. its to common.

PEOPLE... YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE A MEDICATION FOR EVERYTHING!
what happened back before these drugs?

and if we acted up.. we got beat... not taken to the doctor!


It was almost impossible for me to concentrate. I'm very smart but barely made it through. My mom was there and tried everything she could. I would have been able to focus better had I had meds

I didn't get beat when acted up (but got spankings and groundings) and I will not beat my son. He got spankings but I won't just smack him.

I was taught respect and seeing my mom feel disappointed was worse than any spankings

smilingeyes_976's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:54 AM
My son was diagnosed as ADHD when he was 8. I took him to three different doctors and the school therapist before I would even accept that. They put him on Ritalin once a day Monday through Friday. Then it got upped to twice a day Monday through Friday. Then moved to 7 days a week. During all this my son started losing weight he couldnt afford to lose. Not sleeping. So then they wanted to give him meds to increase his appetite and other meds to help him sleep. I was like what the hell? He's only 8 years old?!!!grumble His personality changed. My son doesn't have a violent bone in his body. One day.... He picked up a kitchen chair and threw it at me. I was horrified. I took his meds. Flushed them down the toilet and we work together. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually it sticks. We also used charts by the door in the morning.. Remember your homework and bookbag. That kind of thing. I will admit he is not the best student in the world. But he does try and I will NEVER medicate him again. He's 17 now and it's gotten better. There is just some part of him that is ALWAYS moving. I've learned to not even notice that he can't sit still.

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:56 AM


As for the S.S. matter, I know for fact that some still collect beyond 21 from an ages old diagnosis, by a child psychologist in the Social Services area, who listened more to what the parent said than by a thorough examination of the child. No second opinion, or follow ups, for that matter. What is at the heart of the matter for me, is what this child has learned, and where he/she's going to be doing in ten years. A productive member of society, or a lech! Children learn what they live!


If that is going on, then both the SSA and the family are at fault. In Ohio, people are provided with a recertification date just after the 18th birthday. If it is not completed with six months, the benefits cease.

But again, the problem there lies with the diagnostician....

This all makes perfect sense, and it should be as such across the board! It's become far too easy for parents to, as another poster wrote, put their children on meds, instead of accepting responsibility for their lack of parenting skills!flowerforyou

Runpenzo's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:57 AM
Edited by Runpenzo on Thu 03/20/08 10:58 AM
I was diagnosed with severe debilitating ADHD when I was a child, my mother didn't know what to do with me and she asked one of my teachers what she should do, the teacher freaked out when the subject of Ritalin came up and told my mother that she's would be ruining my if she put me on Ritalin, I agree my mind races with words images and I find it hard to concentrate sometimes, inspiration strikes like lightening and I must write something even if its on my arm or a cocktail napkin, I cant sleep sometimes because the violent imagery is so real I'm afraid I might be harmed, I hear my friends voices speaking too me from the dark corners of my bedroom, songs play in my head that I've never herd before and that never will again be heard, and I talk to myself a lot I call my conscience Mr. Meep because he's an angry bastard but he keeps me from doing something stupid... But through all that I learned self control, how to control the boundless energy that ADHD brings and I would be far worse off if I'd been medicated so I'm glad I almost failed fourth grade because I couldn't pay attention for more than a few minuets... I turned out to be a better person for it... I wonder how I would be if I were hopped up on happy pills

lilith401's photo
Thu 03/20/08 10:59 AM

This all makes perfect sense, and it should be as such across the board! It's become far too easy for parents to, as another poster wrote, put their children on meds, instead of accepting responsibility for their lack of parenting skills!flowerforyou


Now....once that gets done (yeah, right) if only all the people who really don't have Bipolar could be cut off as well!

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:00 AM


Children with ADD or ADHD.. what ever...Just channel it.. put them into sports or something else they enjoy.

people over medicate for everything.
I am in the medical field.. its to common.

PEOPLE... YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE A MEDICATION FOR EVERYTHING!
what happened back before these drugs?

and if we acted up.. we got beat... not taken to the doctor!


It was almost impossible for me to concentrate. I'm very smart but barely made it through. My mom was there and tried everything she could. I would have been able to focus better had I had meds

I didn't get beat when acted up (but got spankings and groundings) and I will not beat my son. He got spankings but I won't just smack him.

I was taught respect and seeing my mom feel disappointed was worse than any spankings

frown Never intended to overemphasize(?) beatings, as I got the spankings and groundings, as well, and really only when it was absolutely necessary that I "pay attention, son,I'm trying ta' learn ya' sumpthin'"!

yellowrose10's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:02 AM

I was diagnosed with severe debilitating ADHD when I was a child, my mother didn't know what to do with me and she asked one of my teachers what she should do, the teacher freaked out when the subject of Ritalin came up and told my mother that she's would be ruining my if she put me on Ritalin, I agree my mind races with words images and I find it hard to concentrate sometimes, inspiration strikes like lightening and I must write something even if its on my arm or a cocktail napkin, I cant sleep sometimes because the violent imagery is so real I'm afraid I might be harmed, I hear my friends voices speaking too me from the dark corners of my bedroom, songs play in my head that I've never herd before and that never will again be heard, and I talk to myself a lot I call my conscience Mr. Meep because he's an angry bastard but he keeps me from doing something stupid... But through all that I learned self control, how to control the boundless energy that ADHD brings and I would be far worse off if I'd been medicated so I'm glad I almost failed fourth grade because I couldn't pay attention for more than a few minuets... I turned out to be a better person for it... I wonder how I would be if I were hopped up on happy pills


laugh ritalin isn't happy pills. happy pils are for depression and that kind of problem.

I think it's great that you did great without them. but that's not everyone. Yes...too many parents take the easy way out, but there are parents that have a child on them but still work to make them stronger so they don't rely on them and can learn without them

Ritalin isn't the only med out there for it...If one doesn't work...maybe others will. Or if you are lucky enough not to need them...even better

yellowrose10's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:03 AM



Children with ADD or ADHD.. what ever...Just channel it.. put them into sports or something else they enjoy.

people over medicate for everything.
I am in the medical field.. its to common.

PEOPLE... YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE A MEDICATION FOR EVERYTHING!
what happened back before these drugs?

and if we acted up.. we got beat... not taken to the doctor!


It was almost impossible for me to concentrate. I'm very smart but barely made it through. My mom was there and tried everything she could. I would have been able to focus better had I had meds

I didn't get beat when acted up (but got spankings and groundings) and I will not beat my son. He got spankings but I won't just smack him.

I was taught respect and seeing my mom feel disappointed was worse than any spankings

frown Never intended to overemphasize(?) beatings, as I got the spankings and groundings, as well, and really only when it was absolutely necessary that I "pay attention, son,I'm trying ta' learn ya' sumpthin'"!

yellowrose10's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:03 AM
Edited by yellowrose10 on Thu 03/20/08 11:05 AM



Children with ADD or ADHD.. what ever...Just channel it.. put them into sports or something else they enjoy.

people over medicate for everything.
I am in the medical field.. its to common.

PEOPLE... YOU DONT HAVE TO TAKE A MEDICATION FOR EVERYTHING!
what happened back before these drugs?

and if we acted up.. we got beat... not taken to the doctor!


It was almost impossible for me to concentrate. I'm very smart but barely made it through. My mom was there and tried everything she could. I would have been able to focus better had I had meds

I didn't get beat when acted up (but got spankings and groundings) and I will not beat my son. He got spankings but I won't just smack him.

I was taught respect and seeing my mom feel disappointed was worse than any spankings

frown Never intended to overemphasize(?) beatings, as I got the spankings and groundings, as well, and really only when it was absolutely necessary that I "pay attention, son,I'm trying ta' learn ya' sumpthin'"!


laugh you are fine hun. I think this was a reply to someone else. I am not saying someone actually got BEAT either. My mom and I tried to find other punishments for the kids, but spankings are sometimes needed.

My son is actually more mature than most adults and he's a great kid. He's not involved with drugs or drinking and is a very kind hearted kid that wants to learn

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:03 AM

My son was diagnosed as ADHD when he was 8. I took him to three different doctors and the school therapist before I would even accept that. They put him on Ritalin once a day Monday through Friday. Then it got upped to twice a day Monday through Friday. Then moved to 7 days a week. During all this my son started losing weight he couldnt afford to lose. Not sleeping. So then they wanted to give him meds to increase his appetite and other meds to help him sleep. I was like what the hell? He's only 8 years old?!!!grumble His personality changed. My son doesn't have a violent bone in his body. One day.... He picked up a kitchen chair and threw it at me. I was horrified. I took his meds. Flushed them down the toilet and we work together. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually it sticks. We also used charts by the door in the morning.. Remember your homework and bookbag. That kind of thing. I will admit he is not the best student in the world. But he does try and I will NEVER medicate him again. He's 17 now and it's gotten better. There is just some part of him that is ALWAYS moving. I've learned to not even notice that he can't sit still.

flowerforyou That's how to foster a good relationship with your child, all kids are gonna be kids! He turned out OK without all the meds, huh!?bigsmile

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:05 AM

I was diagnosed with severe debilitating ADHD when I was a child, my mother didn't know what to do with me and she asked one of my teachers what she should do, the teacher freaked out when the subject of Ritalin came up and told my mother that she's would be ruining my if she put me on Ritalin, I agree my mind races with words images and I find it hard to concentrate sometimes, inspiration strikes like lightening and I must write something even if its on my arm or a cocktail napkin, I cant sleep sometimes because the violent imagery is so real I'm afraid I might be harmed, I hear my friends voices speaking too me from the dark corners of my bedroom, songs play in my head that I've never herd before and that never will again be heard, and I talk to myself a lot I call my conscience Mr. Meep because he's an angry bastard but he keeps me from doing something stupid... But through all that I learned self control, how to control the boundless energy that ADHD brings and I would be far worse off if I'd been medicated so I'm glad I almost failed fourth grade because I couldn't pay attention for more than a few minuets... I turned out to be a better person for it... I wonder how I would be if I were hopped up on happy pills

My guess, less happy! Thanks for the input!drinker

lulu24's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:07 AM
my daughter is ADHD Without Hyperactivity. she also has some learning disabilities, particularly with mathematics.

when she was twelve, her mother couldn't cope, and i got her full-time. i immediately took her to the doctor and then had her tested for LD. we set that kiddo up an IEP, incorporated extra special education into her day...and adderall.

the adderall turned things around for us. hailey went from...losing herself in space to being able to focus her thoughts. frustration went out the window...and life became much more pleasant for her. no more crying because she couldn't wrap her head around things...no more F's...she moved into being a student who has a chance at an education and a future.

her math skills will NEVER improve...she's 22, and might be on a sixth grade level. might be. numbers jumble and move in her head, similar to dyslexia. but in other areas...she improved so very much.

with the right child, medication is crucial. with the wrong one...it's very detrimental. the key is in figuring out which one you have.

in order to get disability for it, here...it has to be VERY severe. my best friend's son has to be in a self-contained classroom for his...and you have to see the doc that the social security people send you to, as well.

mine wouldn't have qualified. hell, my special needs kids don't even qualify...

yellowrose10's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:10 AM

my daughter is ADHD Without Hyperactivity. she also has some learning disabilities, particularly with mathematics.

when she was twelve, her mother couldn't cope, and i got her full-time. i immediately took her to the doctor and then had her tested for LD. we set that kiddo up an IEP, incorporated extra special education into her day...and adderall.

the adderall turned things around for us. hailey went from...losing herself in space to being able to focus her thoughts. frustration went out the window...and life became much more pleasant for her. no more crying because she couldn't wrap her head around things...no more F's...she moved into being a student who has a chance at an education and a future.

her math skills will NEVER improve...she's 22, and might be on a sixth grade level. might be. numbers jumble and move in her head, similar to dyslexia. but in other areas...she improved so very much.

with the right child, medication is crucial. with the wrong one...it's very detrimental. the key is in figuring out which one you have.

in order to get disability for it, here...it has to be VERY severe. my best friend's son has to be in a self-contained classroom for his...and you have to see the doc that the social security people send you to, as well.

mine wouldn't have qualified. hell, my special needs kids don't even qualify...


very well said. Again...I just wasn't aware you could get disability for this. I learned something flowerforyou

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:11 AM


This all makes perfect sense, and it should be as such across the board! It's become far too easy for parents to, as another poster wrote, put their children on meds, instead of accepting responsibility for their lack of parenting skills!flowerforyou


Now....once that gets done (yeah, right) if only all the people who really don't have Bipolar could be cut off as well!

Or maybe the women out there who accept their "punishments" from their so loved "bipolar" SO (or is it A$$hos'), can stand up and say, sickness or no, I won't be treated like that:angry: .......instead of rationalizing it! What a beautiful world...........

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:16 AM

my daughter is ADHD Without Hyperactivity. she also has some learning disabilities, particularly with mathematics.

when she was twelve, her mother couldn't cope, and i got her full-time. i immediately took her to the doctor and then had her tested for LD. we set that kiddo up an IEP, incorporated extra special education into her day...and adderall.

the adderall turned things around for us. hailey went from...losing herself in space to being able to focus her thoughts. frustration went out the window...and life became much more pleasant for her. no more crying because she couldn't wrap her head around things...no more F's...she moved into being a student who has a chance at an education and a future.

her math skills will NEVER improve...she's 22, and might be on a sixth grade level. might be. numbers jumble and move in her head, similar to dyslexia. but in other areas...she improved so very much.

with the right child, medication is crucial. with the wrong one...it's very detrimental. the key is in figuring out which one you have.

in order to get disability for it, here...it has to be VERY severe. my best friend's son has to be in a self-contained classroom for his...and you have to see the doc that the social security people send you to, as well.

mine wouldn't have qualified. hell, my special needs kids don't even qualify...

So obviously, this points out that there are cases where the meds are justifiable. Never said there weren't, just looking for any reason to believe that this would be the proper course of action, thank you!flowerforyou

whispertoascream's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:29 AM
I feel the need to add my two cents here.

My son is four and has been diagnosed with ADHD. I knew at around age two there was something wrong. He was always acting out could never sit still, would yell scream and even hit, punch and bite. I had taken him to The Hospital for Sick Children, his pediatrician and even a center here that deals with special needs children. The hospital and the pediatrician both diagnosed him with ADHD when he was three. Thinking to myself that it just sounded like a quick fix and did not want to medicate my child. So i decided to go to a behavioral management counselor that specializes in dealing with this type of behavior. I was at a lost. Time outs were not working, taking things away was not working. and since I do not believe in physical punishment as a form of discipline I that that the counselor was my best bet. But when even they could not help him. Then as a last resort I went back to the doctor and had him put on the medication. And I must say just from one pill a day, with in a week I had noticed a HUGE difference. Like somebody else has already said. I do not use it as a crutch. It is not to cure him but to help him. But he is in kindergarten now and is doing GREAT! He can spell, count to like 30, knows his ABC's forwards and even almost backwards. He is an extremely bright child. He even knew how to use my laptop touch pad instantly. Which I was amazed by cause it is not the easiest mouse to control for a four year old.

So in conclusion. Sometimes there is just know other way. And sometimes you just have to resort to the medication that is out there to actually help.

MrMxyzptlk's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:37 AM

I feel the need to add my two cents here.

My son is four and has been diagnosed with ADHD. I knew at around age two there was something wrong. He was always acting out could never sit still, would yell scream and even hit, punch and bite. I had taken him to The Hospital for Sick Children, his pediatrician and even a center here that deals with special needs children. The hospital and the pediatrician both diagnosed him with ADHD when he was three. Thinking to myself that it just sounded like a quick fix and did not want to medicate my child. So i decided to go to a behavioral management counselor that specializes in dealing with this type of behavior. I was at a lost. Time outs were not working, taking things away was not working. and since I do not believe in physical punishment as a form of discipline I that that the counselor was my best bet. But when even they could not help him. Then as a last resort I went back to the doctor and had him put on the medication. And I must say just from one pill a day, with in a week I had noticed a HUGE difference. Like somebody else has already said. I do not use it as a crutch. It is not to cure him but to help him. But he is in kindergarten now and is doing GREAT! He can spell, count to like 30, knows his ABC's forwards and even almost backwards. He is an extremely bright child. He even knew how to use my laptop touch pad instantly. Which I was amazed by cause it is not the easiest mouse to control for a four year old.

So in conclusion. Sometimes there is just know other way. And sometimes you just have to resort to the medication that is out there to actually help.

flowerforyou And there is nothing wrong with that, so long as you know in your heart that you'd explored your anti-med options. I would like to think that our gov't wouldn't approve these "good" drugs, without merit, unless of course, the companies kicked in huge campaign contributions, then it's fine!laugh laugh

lulu24's photo
Thu 03/20/08 11:40 AM
you know, when they study the brains of those with ADHD, there're noticeable differences...that are helped by the medications of those that need them.

it's NOT just a behavioral issue, it's a chemical imbalance of the brain.