Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 6/10/2010

Question
My 3 year old is very hype. He is always jumping on the sofa, the tables, basically anything. He stands in the window sills. He is running from the second he wakes up. When he is upset about something, it had to calm him down. He throws everything he gets in his hand. I'm trying to have him tested but it takes 6 months to get an appointment. I'm scared he might hurt himself before then. The other day, he knocked a television down because he was standing on it. It almost fell on his leg. It seems like he gets worse everyday. I've talked to his pediatrician about it. The last doctor's appointment, she said she has never seen him that active before. He was climbing on everything in the room. He wouldn't keep still for her to check him. She told me about the place that I'm trying to get the appointment. She also told me about the waiting list. Is there any other way to have him tested? I don't want to wait until he hurts himself. I have to constantly keep my eye on him, which isn't easy because I have 4 other children. My 12 year old son also has ADHD. He was diagnosed last summer. He is currently on medication. I know it's normal for a 3 year old to be hype, as I said, I have 5 children, 3 older than him. But he is like 3 children in 1. I never get a break. I have to constantly stay on him. I am physically drained. I have felt since he was around a year old that something was different about him. I didn't know what it was but I felt like he had some sort of disability. But the doctors said nothing was wrong. When he was younger, he held his fingers and his toes closed tightly all the time. He still does, just not as much. I would like to know, what do you think these symptoms could be? And if it is ADHD, what can be done for a child that age? Can they take medicine that young? I just want to help my son and I am at a lost at what to do.

Answer
If a child presents with behavior problems, irrespective of his age he should be assessed by a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD. There is no reason for withholding medical treatment because of the age of the child. In a situation where the parents is frantic and desparate and the child is in danger the situation must be seen an EMERGENCY and seen immediately! A broken leg does not have to wait 6 months and neither should this. He is not too young to be diagnosed and treated medically iF needed at this age or any other age. Get expert advice immediately!