The doctor has started your child with ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) on medication, right? Now you have a big question in your mind, "Will this medication really work for my child? Will it help him?" This is actually a reasonable question for many parents. Because finding the right medication and the right dose for a child can sometimes be a time-consuming process. So today, let's talk about how you can check for yourself whether this medication is working.
How do you measure the results of the treatment? Let's create a 'Baseline'!
Okay, the first thing to do is to write down what your child's symptoms are and how severe they are before you start the medication . Let's call this a 'baseline', which means "the state they were in when they started." If you're having trouble doing this on your own, you can talk to your child's class teacher at school and work on this list together. The teacher will have a good understanding of your child's behavior at school, so it will be very helpful.
Then, a few weeks after the child starts taking the medication, you and the teacher go over the list again. If a symptom that was present before has now decreased, that means the medication is working for that symptom.
Simply put, what is done here is to compare how the child was before the medication was given and how he is after the medication.
Look at the table below. You can use a list like this. You can score yourself to see how much of these characteristics your child has.
| Common symptoms associated with ADHD | Condition before starting medication (very high / medium / low) | Condition after starting medication (much reduced / slightly reduced / no change) |
|---|---|---|
| They make small mistakes at work and skip details. | ||
| It's hard to stay focused on one task, and you get distracted easily. | ||
| It doesn't seem like you're listening when you're talking. | ||
| They don't follow instructions and don't finish the work they start. | ||
| It's hard to organize things, and things get messy. | ||
| They often lose their belongings (books, pencils). | ||
| It's hard to sit in one place, I'm always fidgeting. | ||
| Everyone is running and jumping while sitting. | ||
| Always running and jumping, like a motor. | ||
| Talking a lot unnecessarily. | ||
| They can't wait for their turn. | ||
| Interrupting other people's conversations and games. |
How long does it take to feel the effects of the medicine?
This really depends on the type of medication your child is being given. There are two main types of medication for ADHD.
1. Stimulant Medications
Many children with ADHD are given this type of medication. These help the brain's nerve cells communicate. The best thing about these medications is that they work quickly . You can see a change in your child's behavior within an hour of taking the medication.
However, these are quickly eliminated from the body. Some medications wear off in about 3-4 hours. Extended-release medications work for up to 12 hours. So, when you check your child's symptoms, it's important to be aware of when they last took the medication.
2. Non-stimulant Medications
These medications work in a different way. They take a while to build up in the body. That means it can take a few weeks to see results. However, they last for 24 hours. So if you start taking a medication like this, don't worry if you don't see results right away. It may take a while to get the right dose, talk to your doctor, and see if you can get the right dose.
Be aware of side effects too!
Sometimes, even though your child's ADHD symptoms are decreasing, do you notice a change in their personality ? Does they seem irritable and restless all the time? If so, perhaps their medication dose may need to be increased a little. If you notice something like this, don't panic and talk to your doctor right away.
Do I need to change the medication as my child gets older?
This is a question that many parents ask. Yes, it can happen sometimes. A medication that has worked well for years may not be as effective as the child gets older, especially during adolescence.
Just think, as children approach big exams like O/L and A/L, they have more time to study and concentrate. Schoolwork doesn't just end there like it used to. Tuition classes in the evening, homework, maybe sports practice... all of these require attention.
So, if you feel like your child's old ADHD symptoms are coming back, talk to your doctor. They may need to increase the dose , switch to a different medication , or switch to a medication that works throughout the day. Sometimes , your doctor may decide to give you another short-acting medication to help with your afternoon tasks.
Also, remember that some children's ADHD symptoms naturally decrease as they get older. One day, your child may no longer need medication.
However, do not stop your child's medication on your own for any reason. This can have adverse effects on the child. If you do stop the medication, do so only after talking to your doctor, under his supervision, and in a prescribed manner.
Take-Home Message
- Treating ADHD is not something that happens overnight, it's a process. Be patient with your child.
- Keep a record of the changes in your child's symptoms before and after starting the medication. Get help from your child's teacher for this.
- Be aware of what type of medication (stimulant or non-stimulant) your child is being given and how long it takes to feel its effects.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your child's behavior, personality, or side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
- As your child grows and their educational needs change, the dosage or type of medication may need to be changed. Discuss this with your doctor.
- Most importantly: Never change or stop your child's medication dosage without medical advice.
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