Parents of children with ADHD and ADD have a question to consider: To medicate or not to medicate?

In the last few decades it seems that ADD and ADHD diagnoses in children are becoming more and more common. What was at one time a relatively new psychological disorder is now a household term. It is very important for parents, educators, and children to understand what treatment options they have to releive the symptoms of these disorders. Many people seem to be drawn to the "quick-fix" remedy of a drug, and without discussing other options, assume that this is the best method to treat the problem. However, many parents probably do not realize that there are many other routes to take in terms of counseling or a combination of counseling and medication. Putting children on a long-term course of medication can have many effects on the child, and is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

This article describes an argument that one study makes for a combination treatment that includes drugs and therapy, and is not necessarily meant to encompass the entire scope of the argument. Every parent considering treatment for a child diagnosed with one of these disorders should do extensive research on the topic before coming to any conclusions or treatment decisions. As a student working towards a masters in counseling, I have studied and discussed this topic at lenght, but I still have doubts that there is one correct method of treatment for all cases. Each child should be treated as an individual with their own needs taken under consideration. In many cases, the least amount of treatment necessary to help the child lead a normal life would be the optimal choice.