Oops - I Skipped Over Chapter 2

I don't know how I did it - but it looks like I skipped right over reviewing Chapter 2 for you all. Oops!

I am so glad I caught this, because Chapter 2 has some great content.

Chapter 2:

"Parenting Doesn't Cause ADHD - Genes Do."

Dr. Monastra reviews and dispels some of the major myths around parenting as a cause of ADHD. Well, as you might be wondering - parenting or parenting style does NOT cause ADHD.
Instead, it is our genetics that we pass down which is said to be responsible for ADHD.

Much of the remainder of Chapter 2 is spent talking about the very scientific, technical aspects of what is believed to cause ADHD. There are some interesting points in there - but when you are looking to help your child, this is NOT the part of the chapter that does it. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of digesting this information so you can understand what we believe causes ADHD.

Perhaps the most useful part of Chapter is towards the end, where Dr. Monastra discusses effective treatment. In his opinion (and I agree), effective treatment includes a combination of techniques.

This can include medication (but NOT always), along with therapy, education, social skills classes, parenting classes (to learn strategies to help your child), and the development of a communication channel with school professionals to better assist your child with his or her learning habits or struggles.

Well - that's it. I must say there were some really GREAT strategies mixed with some very powerful content. Just watch out for the technical part, and focus on getting a general idea of how our bodies work and this relationship with ADHD.

In closing, I want to add that this content is reviewed from Dr. Monastra's book, "Parenting Children With ADHD." Like in previous posts, I have pulled out what I have found to be useful and important. However, there could be incredible information that I overlooked which might pertain to your individual situation.

Disclaimer:

That said, I always want to share that I added the part about medication not always being necessary. Remember folks, medication can and does make a difference with many children struggling with ADHD. And - as always, please do not make any changes without first speaking with your treating physician, psychiatrist, therapist, or other direct care professional.

Parenting Children With ADHD - Chapter 3

The more I get into this book, the more great content and strategies I am exposed to and become aware of. I also have to say that Dr. Monastra does an excellent job really explaining some tough level concepts that often can go overlooked. For example, he talks about specific ways that medications work and how to gauge whether or not they are making a difference for your child.

But that's not all!

Chapter 3 is titled: "Medications Don't Cure ADHD."

This is a pretty important statement to consider. There is NO CURE for ADHD. In fact, there is no agreement among professionals about what the exact cause of ADHD is. That said - medications are only known to help people with ADHD better manage their symptoms the world around them.

Key points and lessons in Chapter 3:

• Medication should NOT just be prescribed. You need to consider the impact of a child's dietary habits, weight, and additional factors.
• Doctors should really account for the child's daily activities (sleep patterns, diet, medical conditions).
• Different types of medications are reviewed - what they do, how they work, and why they are different.
• How to start out on medication and ensure you have the right dosage.
• Why it is so important to track behavior patterns.
• The importance of protein in your child's diet.
• Emphasizes a TEAM approach to treating and managing symptoms of ADHD.
• 15 - 30% of children don't respond to one particular chemical or component of stimulant medications.
• Some medications can take 4-6 weeks to show real improvement.

Wow! What a chapter. The only negative thing I can say (and this is being really particular) is that one part of the chapter becomes very technical - even for me who has training in academia and research. But that said - I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

Dr. Monastra takes an approach and view towards ADHD that not many psychologists - let alone physicians do - on diagnosing and treating ADHD. I really like this book so far.

Audio Interview - ADHD Success Tips

In this almost 60-minute interview, my good friend (who also just happens to be a Licensed Psychologist) reveals his 15 year personal struggle with ADHD.

I have been pleading with him for a few months now to make this happen. Having witnessed his struggles and personal victories firsthand, I knew he would reveal a wealth of information about ADHD.

I want you to know - there is no holding back in this interview. Together, we covered a lot of ground - some of it totally unexpected. For example, Matt is the first person (professional or other) who finally revealed how medication can be helpful, while at the same time sharing his limited use of medication over the lifetime of his diagnosis.

That's just the beginning. In this interview, you will hear:

• How my friend had to look inside himself to find strength.



• How he had to rely on his strengths, and leverage the strengths of others in order to achieve great success.



• 7+ strategies for successfully managing symptoms of ADHD.



• The 1 "critical factor" that likely made the difference in his success.



• The 3 most important "gifts" a parent possesses and can give their child.



• And so much more...

To gain access to this interview, just sign up below:

This interview is just loaded with information. After listening to the call again - I have a 5-page outline of the information contained within this interview.

If you are a parent who struggles with a child who has either been diagnosed with ADHD or who suspects their child might exhibit symptoms of ADHD, then you will want to listen to this interview.

Are Medications Really Necessary For My Child?

One the most frequently asked questions I receive relates to whether or not a child really needs medication for his or her behaviors - or behavioral problems - depending upon how you look at it.

The unfortunate answer I have to give parents is: "It depends."

I have often said that I am against medications as a first line of defense or treatment in behavioral disorders, particularly in young children and adolescents.

While medications certainly have their use, I have seen far too many cases where children, adolescents, and even adults are medicated when they might not really need to be.

Diagnoses and illnesses like ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder are far too real. Their implications are also far too real for couples, families, and children.

However, they exist in very small percentages of the population. Yet these diagnoses are popular today and frequently assigned to people with behaviors and symptoms that mirror the classifications and criteria for diagnosis.

"The Real World"

I would like to share a brief story with you about why it is so important to consider what else is going on before making the leap to medicating your child.

While working at a hospital, I was assigned the case of an 18 year old African American male. He was recently transferred from an adolescent unit, to the adult criminal section of the hospital among career criminals and persons diagnosed with persistent major mental illness.

He was diagnosed with Depression, and his treatment staff was concerned about his withdrawn behavior, unwillingness to participate in groups, and his apparent lack of interest to interact socially.

All classic signs of depression.

Yet, when I met with him, he was outgoing, energetic, connected, and all too real. I tried to explain this to his treatment staff, but I was apparently the only person who recognized the additional circumstances that led to my understanding of his situation.

I asked myself one simple question:

"If I were 18 years old, how would I respond in this situation?"

What I realized was that even at my age (older than 18), I would have likely responded the same way as he did.

The Moral:

My patient was anything but depressed.

Instead, he was an 18-year-old male who was likely frightened by his surroundings and the sudden change from being surrounded by his peers and friends (that he had made) to a population of criminals who had spent most of their adults lives behind bars.

While my patient did need a specific regiment of medication, he was grossly misunderstood.

As I always, I encourage you to first ask yourself: "What else might be contributing to my child's behavior?"

Look in the mirror if you have to, even if it hurts to acknowledge that your life might be impacting your child.

It's not to say you are to blame.