“Ask the Expert!”

Do you hesitate to put your child or yourself on medication for AD/HD because of the controversies that continue to abound, such as in regard to concerns about “overdiagnosis,” or because of your own beliefs about people needing to learn to take responsibility?  But, what if being able to get places on time, get homework turned in, graduate, catch a flight, keep a job, remain a family, or stay out of trouble, WERE taking responsibility? 

Unlike treatment for depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, substance abuse, or pain, there is often little compassion when it comes to treatment for AD/HD.  I have heard parents, standing in line at a pharmacy, apologize for having “resorted” to having put their child on medication, as if it were an admission of failure.  It may not help everyone, but neither should we give up too soon.  Having the right medications, at the right dosages, at the right time, in the right combination, can make all of the difference.  I wouldn’t have believed it, myself,  if I hadn’t witnessed a miracle, first-hand, three times a day.  

In his book, Reaching for a New Potential, A Life Guide for Adults with ADD, From a Fellow Traveler,  Oren Mason, MD, admits to being able to get through med school, without being treated for ADD, but says he “hit the wall” after he became a dad for the second time.  He has since become a nationally acclaimed expert on AD/HD, has spoken at CHADD’s annual conference, for the past five years, and gone on to adopt additional children! 

Though CHADD does not endorse any specific treatment provider or approach, it works to provide people with evidenced based information, to help them  know their options so they can make informed decisions.  Though what Dr. Mason says cannot substitute for a doctor’s advice, who knows your situation best, he may be able to provide you with what may still need to be considered or ruled out, help you weigh potential risks against known benefits, know how to handle objections from your critics, or at least tell you what you DON’T need to worry about!  

So, ‘hope you can get your taxes done, and come join us, at St. Luke’s, April 15th, to “Ask the Expert!” –in the process of becoming your own!