PARENT CONCERNED OVER QUICK ADHD DIAGNOSIS AND POLYPHARMACY
Dr. Baughman, My son, Joey, is almost 6 years old. He had a severe seizure almost 2 years [at 4] ago, and has been diagnosed as being epileptic. We have minor-to-average behavioral problems with him at home
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
if you were not, it might be a cause
for concern]
, but they are having some serious issues with him at school
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
suggesting adults their have a different perspective, no doubt the emotions/behaviors/all things mental/psychologic/psychiatric as 'diseases'--a thoroughtly false, fraudulent view.]
. Needless to say, the school district's psychologist and his pediatric neurologist were quick to "diagnose" child with ADHD
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
tragically, here we have all manner of physicians, in addition to psychiatrists, electing to practice 'mental health'].
They are both recommending that he be put on some additional medication. (He's already taking Tegretol for the seizure disorder).
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
this I would say is a necessary medication. The addition of psychiatric medications, any, would complicate the treatment and control of the siezure disorder]
I'm prone to agree that WAY too many children are diagnosed with this so-called disease, but I'm not sure where else to turn for another opinion in the area. Are you familiar with anyone in the Pittsburgh, PA area that you can recommend we speak to? Also, would you say that because of child's epilepsy, that there probably is something that needs to be medically treated? Any information you can provide would be extrememly helpful. Thank you.
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
I would advise you find a school system and also a neurologist--your son needs a neurologist who does not press for addition of behavioral drugs. If vocabulary is normal for age, reading at age, grade level he is likely intellectually normal and capable with competent parenting plus competent teachers, 9-3, of learning achieving self control]
[Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD:
disclaimer--you are not my patient, these are for your information only]