Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 10/15/2011

Question
over the last year my 3 year old boy started to get very agrreassive, hitting his family members and throwing tantrums when he wouldnt get his way. once school started it got worse. he hits his teachers and classmates. i had him evaluated by a psyciatrist and going by what me and the teacher said he got diagnosed with adhd. i am not sure how you test for that but i am not to fond with putting him on meds. is there any alternative other than drugs or how do i even find out if he actullay has adhd or something else. he got prescribed foclyn 5 mg and i dont know much about it. i just dont know what to do, needing some advice.

Answer
Your description is very suggestive of ADHD and in need of urgent medical treatment. Stimulants are by far the most effective and if used correctly are safe. However not all agree on starting medical treatment at 3 years of age. It is essential for the dose to be monitored to an optimal level irrespective of age or weight of patient. The treatment must be a team effort including the parents and teacher who must be fully informrd by the treating doctor. The diagnosis is made by obtaining information from parent and teacher, evaluating rating scasles from both, examining the child and giving parents insight to be able to judge and form their own opinion. Re evaluations are monthly once again using rating scales. Councilling is also ongoing as treatment is lengthy often years.