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What to Ask Before Starting ADHD Meds

From the Show: Health Radio
Summary: Learn alternative treatments for ADHD.
Air Date: 5/6/16
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Su Robotti, Founder & President of MedShadow
Su-RobottiSuzanne Robotti founded MedShadow Foundation in 2012 after two major health issues drove her to become engaged in patient advocacy. Robotti's mother, like millions of other pregnant women in the 50s, 60s and early 70s took the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) to prevent miscarriage and early labor. It did neither and instead left the pregnant women, children and descendants at risk for rare cancers, reproductive organ abnormalities and other serious medical conditions. In 2010, Robotti's son was prescribed Ritalin for ADHD, but when the doctor was unable to reference any studies on the long term effects of the drug, she decided against it. This raised a concern in her that parents were not aware of the lack of studies and this is an issue of informed consent.  Soon after she decided to start MedShadow because so many people are not aware of the lack of information on the long term effects of drugs. MedShadow is a means of raising the discussion of risks alongside benefits of medicines into the public discourse.
  • Guest Twitter Account: @MedShadow_Su
What to Ask Before Starting ADHD Meds
One in ten children is diagnosed with ADHD. The cause of ADHD is still undetermined. The reason stimulants seem to help with symptoms is also a bit unclear.

Discuss your whole child with his doctor. It is important to talk about behavior, personality and general health. A combination of nutrition and behavioral health therapy may be enough to help your child.

However, there are some cases where medication is required because of the severity of the condition.

Founder and President of MedShadow Su Robotti joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what you need to know before starting your child on ADHD medication.