Article on BBC website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7630926.stm

How does this compare with other parts of the world? I'm wondering if other countries/areas have found generally better outcomes when Ritalin use is reduced and replaced with Parent/teacher training programmes.

Are there any generally available training programmes around which have been operating for long enough to prove the improved outcomes?

kilted

I took up the offer of parenting classes some time ago, I think DD was about 8 at the time.

I found them of no use and very frustrating because they were entirely aimed and designed around 'normal' children and how they react to certain types of positive discipline.

I dont quesiton they were great for people who needed help with children in general and perhaps difficult children. But those who specific issues gain nothing, so unless the govornment is overhauling the parenting classes it wont help I'm afraid

That said I welcome the idea of educating our teachers on the matter, I was lucky with most of my daughters teachers but a small number were really aweful and their reactions to both child and I made matters worse for the duration she was in their class

How can some program help someone with a chemical neurological disorder better than a molecule that raises that specific chemical in their brain would?

Article on BBC website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7630926.stm

How does this compare with other parts of the world? I'm wondering if other countries/areas have found generally better outcomes when Ritalin use is reduced and replaced with Parent/teacher training programmes.

kilted

From recent experience, ritalin can definitely make a person feel very lethargic and robotic feeling. If you have a child taking ritalin, do not be afraid to talk to their child psychologist about alternatives such as dexedrin or ritalin with an alternative release mechanism. They all do the same thing, but our bodies don't - so trial and error.

Most know that ADHD is rarely a singular disorder. It is commonly accompanied by anxiety and/or depression. Make sure your children have this checked over by a professional. If your child shows the signs, then maybe it's worth the time to an experienced professional's opinion. Too many kids miss the best part of their lives because they're hiding.

Parents: All truths come from the heart. Do what you know is right.

The recommendation is to reduce ritalin usage in children under the age of 5, not all children. They specifically recommend that children over the age of 5 have a comprehensive program which involves both training and medication. This isn't really new news here in the US. It's been known for quite a while that medication and training are better than medication alone.