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Behavior Problems and Alternatives to Medicating Children |
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[Editorial published 1/24/08]
Hi Everyone,
Did you catch the Jan 8th PBS FRONTLINE: The Medicated Child ? Basically the show covers the skyrocketing rates of prescription medication being given to children who are being diagnosed as bipolar at very young ages. For children, the value (and harm) of the medication is barely known, and the criteria for making the diagnosis is debatable. This week I'm writing about Behavior Problems and Alternatives to Medicating Children.
If you have a child who is having emotional or behavioral issues, here are some suggestions before seeking medication:
1. Temper tantrums? First make sure your child has enough quality sleep and nutritious food. Then check out the methods of Dr. Harvey Karp (Happiest Toddler on the Block: his book and a
quick summary of his method) or try the
traditional approach to resolving tantrums.
2. Is there a problem that can be talked out? Our 4-yr old son was engaging in prolonged screaming fits, extended tantrums, and violent outbursts over small issues. I was naively focusing on the triggers and didn't look for the real cause. Then, on a phone call with daddy, my son volunteered that he felt responsible for "sending daddy away" on a business trip. After that call, the off-the-hook behavior subsided.
3. Emotional and physical control problems? Look into Sensory Processing or Sensory Integration issues. Here is an excellent book by the expert who runs the STAR Center in Denver. I know kids who have been helped by these drug-free methods (often presented as games).
4. If your child gets stuck in a rant or fit, try a few simple things to help your child regain emotional control. I've heard good anecdotal evidence about hugging, gently squeezing both hands or alternating hands, patting alternating thighs, even tickling can stimulate a child's brain to help them control their emotions. On a related note, a few years ago, a close friend of mine coached her 20-year old brother thru a series of prescribed exercises. After a few months, his dyslexia was cured and he was able to successfully follow college classes for the first time. I wish I had a web link, if you have good sources, please drop a line.
5. Classroom problems? Look into Mel Levine's A Mind at a Time (summary and book). He presents eight fundamental components of learning and how each child/adult has different neurodevelopmental capacities.
6. Perhaps diet or environment? I noticed a number of postings (on the PBS discussion) about behavior problems linked to mineral deficiencies and/or "brain allergies". Parents who have changed the diet or increased certain mineral supplements for their kids are reporting significantly improved behavior - even with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Here is a guide and recipe book. You'll see that there are many books on this topic, just browse Amazon.)
7. Seeking advice from other parents? Check out the PBS discussion associated with the Frontline episode, or see what local parents have to say on mamasource.com (responses are organized below each request for advice).
Finally, if you believe medication is the right choice for your child, do watch the episode of Frontline (available free online or on DVD for $25), review the FAQ and Parent Guides on the PBS site, and then proceed cautiously.
I hope your week is filled with laughter,
Jill
1/30/08: A further recommendation to Colorado readers: Dr. Roy Steinbock, MD is a Boulder pediatrician who practices evidence-based Western medicine with a holistic approach. Here is an interview (he's the guy in the middle) where he speaks about his practice. Please mention you found him on GreatIdeasForKids.com |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 January 2010 )
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