Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity

The benefits of the medication far out weigh the side effects. My sons have both been medicated for 6 and 3 years. We have had problem with weight gain and sleeping, but we have learned to adapt. They both are learning disabled (dyslexic) with speech and language problems, ADHD, anxiety and one has Crohns Disease. But with the medication,lots of help and patience, I am pleased to report high self esteems and honor roll grades in above average classes. The medication, regardless of its side effects is worth it. I would trust the pediatrician.\

T.
Severna Park

I have a 15yr old with ADHD,he has developed just fine,he is now 155lbs and 5'11 1/2.I would just wait and see.Since you and your husband are'nt all that tall.This just might be him!Good Luck.

Although the meds could be a factor, some people don't grow until later in their teens. I'm 5'4" and my husband is 6'2". My kids didn't really get tall until 15+..they were always shorter than me ...they shot up to a little over 6'. My brother didn't grow until he was 17. I grew after I got out of high school. Just my opinion.

Have Fun,
B.

Just one more bit of input...
I have a daughter diagnosed with adhd-odd and she has been on meds since 8yrs old/ third grade. She is a tiny thing but she was a premie and is a twin. At 5'1" she's only 2" shorter than her twin. I am 5'5" and dad is 5'8" but all of his sisters are in the 5'1" range and our oldest (my stepdaughter) is also only 5'1" as well.

I think it may just be him... you would have to rely on all of his growth charts at the pediatrician's office. What ratio did he start out in and where is he in his own personal growth? I know my girls are smaller than like 80% of the population but for their own personal growth and development they are right on target.

Hope this helps... try not to worry so but if you do EVER second guess your doctor please go for a 2nd opinion. Don't wait.

God Bless.

hi, I have read that flax seed oil is very helpful with ADD. There is loads of info online about it. just mix it in yogurt or a smoothie. It doesnt have the side effects and is really healthy for kids. i use it for my son and i knew a woman from work that used it for her daughter with ADD and she raved about the flax oil working. Hope this helps, K.

I would recommend seeking a second opinion and your doctor should not have any problem with it; however, because of your height and your husband's height - he may just end up being on the shorter side and not yet reached puberty. However, seeking another opinion should help alleviate your concerns.

I don't think your doctor should blow it off. Get a second opinion. The ADHD meds do cause that side effect. Maybe a different one would still be beneficial and not cause stunted growth. Or, if that's not possible, you may have to weigh in the balance height vs. school success. Many boys don't hit their major growth spurts until they are 15 or 16 though. And you and your husband aren't that tall. I would get a second opinion. It may give you more peace of mind.

My brother actually has ADHD and Learning Disabilities so I grew up with the disorder in my life everyday. The one thing my mother refused to do was use any drugs. With no drugs, he was still the smallest kid in his class and developed late in EVERY aspect of his life. Even as a full term newborn in the hospital he acted like a premie. I do know that the disorder alone CAN cause physical developmental delays. So ask your doctor if that might be a possiblility. He and his best friend who also has ADHD bloomed around age 17/18 where most boys do around 13/14.

I just learned about Mamasource and this is my first time on the site.

I also have a 14-year old son who has ADHD. He was diagnosed when he was in 1st grade and has been on medicine ever since. It has definitely been a struggle in every aspect.

In the beginning he had issues with his weight. He didn't eat much and was not putting on weight so we had to keep an eye on that and monitor the medicine. Now it is just the opposite, he is eating me out of house and home and is taller than me (I am 5'2") and weighs about 130lbs. He has had changes in medicine which I think helped him want to eat again. His dad and I are short. Again I am 5'2" and his dad is 5'8". So we wonder where he got his height from?!

Your son could start a growth spurt any day now or maybe his medicine is affecting his growth. Honestly, it is so hard to know and I don't believe the doctors know either. They have their theories but they can't tell you definitely what could be wrong. They can just adjust the medicine and see what happens.

Just great to correspond with another mom with a child the same age as my son who is going through the same struggles.

Bonne Kolanda

J.,
Yes the meds could DEFINATELY be a factor in this. My son, who also has a.d.h.d., was on a very high dose of Ritalin and actually was stunted a year of growth and actually became anorexic and emaciated because my doctor "didn't see any problems"! I don't see how he couldn't see anything wrong, my son was 9 years old and only 40 pounds! Needless to say that we fired the doctor who was supposedly the best in pediatric neurology. My son is 12 now and is developing wonderfully but is the same size as his sister who is a year younger. Absolutely seek a second opinion and a third if necessary. We also do not give him any meds when they are not in school. May I recommend Dr. Charles Brill at A.I. Dupont hospital for children. He is spectacular and actually listens to concerned parents.
Let us know how it goes.
Blessings, A.

J.,

Lags in growth are common with stimulant medication. In addition, he is only 14 years old. If he were older and had not had his growth spurt I would be much more concerned. I might suggest talking with a psychiatrist who is trained to know more about the stimulant medication. A psychiatrist may be able to find a medication that has fewer side effects.

I work with children and families affected by ADHD. ADHD can be treated with behavioral therapy and sometimes the children/teens need much less medication. That is an avenue that I could suggest exploring.

Let me know if I can be of further help.