Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 10/15/2008

Question
My daughter has recently been diagnosed with adhd, well what i would take as a diagnosis. she is not on any stimulant, she is out of control, she has started climbing out her bedroom window late at night just so she does not have to be in bed to sleep. she only settles down at 11 at night and if i am lucky will sleep 2-3 hours max.
Please can you assist me in should my child be re assessed and put onto ritalin or any other drug. i feel so helpless.

Answer
As ADHD is  serious neurological condition it needs to be diagnosed by a medical doctor who has experience with ADHD.From your description I would strongly suspect ADHD. With that is mind she should be formally diagnosed and a  trial of stimulant medication started. Parental guidance and insight into management is as important as  monitored medication, titrated to optimal levels using rating scales from both parent and teacher. The medication must make her more teachable, less hyperactive and the sleep problem must be solved.