ADHD - medicatation or not, poss side effects

[Fluffyslippersohyes]

My DD (10) has been seen privately by a psychiatrist. He says she has ADHD and the treatment would be medication and to also see a psychotherapist.

Psychiatrist suggested methylphenidate to start off with. My OH is very concerned about the side effects and would rather not.

Has anyone seen any negative side effects from medication?

DD is basically 'ok' but she needs a lot of managing to get through life. She needs someone with her a lot, small tasks take a long time, people (not us) lose patience with her, we have to have music on all the time, we need fidget toys around all the time, everything needs to be 'just so', she needs her clothes picking out for her etc etc. I know this all sounds minor but I have other children, and it's not really nice for her getting upset and frustrated. But she does well in school, she has friends, and we can help her. If she's not doing anything that challenges her she's a happy little girl.

I don't know what to do. I think they'd help but I worry about the side effects too.

Other point to note - she flat out refuses any talking therapy.

Can I recommend this book, which was recommended to me by another poster on here. I am in a similar position to you, and definitely want to try meds for my DC. This book is very helpful in understanding the options.

www.amazon.co.uk/Parents-Guide-ADHD-Medicines/dp/1787755681/ref=asc_df_1787755681/?hvlocphy=1006524&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=499352049769&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-1262896324204&hvrand=13857377420358186836

Also read this thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs_chat/4466553-Starting-Medikinet-any-experts-around

Thank you

Coming off them in the evening, depending on the drug, and how slow release it is, can be tricky, but in an NHS clinic titration is very carefully considered and health/growth regularly monitored.

Could be something to try, and see if they have beneficial effects for your DC, so you can better weigh up the benefits/risks, with professional input?

If you are interested in the debate around the use of drugs for ADHD, there is a good MOOC run by Kings College, London, called Understanding ADHD, which includes related content.

Thanks - she would be closely monitored. Thanks for the info about the MOOC, will do some research.