Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 8/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have 7yr old son with a neurological disorder with some symptomatology that fits with attention disorder. His neruologist has recommended treatment with medications but after trying ritilan,adderall,adderall xr & recently a small dose of clonidine which is not working either. The clonidine causes drowsiness which is fine for at home but with him starting school next week I can't see him taking something that will make him fall asleep in class. I'm very worried about his performance in school,he is very easily distracted, with a low attention span. I'm getting discouraged on the meds nothing seems to help improve his attention,distractions,hyperactivity. His neurologist says there are more options available in medications we can still yet try; but in some kids there is no response to stimulants. I'm looking for information or suggestions on treatment without medications.

Thanks
Lissa


ANSWER: You have a problem and I am no good to you if I pull punches. Thus I hope you will forgive me being frank.
   ADHD/ADD is a clinical condition.Either you have it or you don't. Your description is classical of ADHD.  If he does have ADHD he WILL respond to medication if used correctly. If you will provide me with more details of EXACTLY what medication he took, when he took it, what dose he took, how long he took it for and how many times a day, I will surely be able to advise you why he did not respond. ALL respond if the medication is used correctly. There are no exceptions but the dose must be optimal for an individual.
   As stimulants are the mainstay to make them more teachable. You are not advised to seek alternative methods as  there are none that really  work. However not all ADHD cases need medication.
    There are some minor alternative medications but why settle for second best. I am sure you son can be helped, do not despair!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. I was summarizing the way that it was explained by my neurologist. I suppose he's all wrong and you are correct. I am not looking for advice on his medications. My son already has a highly qualified neurologist that has reviewed in exact detail the issues we had with previous medications and why he is no longer taking those. Since In your answer you have stated there is no reliable treatment outside of medications I thank you for the time taken in responding and will take this advice in consideration at my sons next neuro appointment.

Lissa

Answer
Without the information I requested it would be impossible to advise you, even on alternatives. My opinion is alternatives never really work. In 30 years and over 20,000 cases I have never had a case that does not respond to medication. It have had thousands of cases referred to me on incorrect medical treatment and that is why they were not responding. Once correct treatment was given, all responded.
   If your neurologist is a highly qualified doctor surely you should be asking him advice and not me?