Behavior Treatment
Stimulant therapy is an effective treatment for most kids and adoles- cents with ADHD. An estimated two million stu- dents in the U.S. receive stimulant medication, which reduces ADHD
symptoms for many affected with this dis- order, and is especially helpful when the demands on the child or adolescent are high — e.g., in school, during testing, etc. Unfortunately, 30 percent of those with ADHD do not respond to stimulant medication. This is usually attributed to unpleasant side effects, including: irrita- bility, insomnia, nausea and headaches. In addition, some kids and adolescents may experience temporary growth sup- pression due to the medication. This is usually temporary, and most kids catch up to their peers in about two years. Others experience worrisome rebound behavioral symptoms once the benefi cial effects from the medication wear off. For these reasons parents often request a medication holiday on weekends and over the summer months.
Taking a Break From Medication
A medication holiday consists of withhold- ing medication to reduce side effects or to determine if medication is still needed. Although taking a break from medication was popular in the past, today most health care professionals advise against taking holidays from medication on weekends
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ADHD often results in inadequate social skills, strained relationships and low self-esteem
and over the summer months. In fact, for some kids, taking a holiday from medica- tion may be more harmful than helpful.
Making the Decision The decision to take a break from medication should not be made lightly. The fi rst step is to discuss a medication holiday with your provider — prior to stopping any medication. Also note that it can be dangerous to discontinue your child’s medication abruptly. Next, consider how impairing your child’s ADHD symptoms are, and whether not taking the medication could affect his relationships over the summer months or on the weekends. Most children with ADHD have more diffi culty than just in school. Many also experience diffi culty with peer and family relationships, and organizing tasks. Some kids with mild inattentive symptoms may tolerate medi- cation holidays with little interference in their behavior. Children who display hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may need their medications on weekends and holidays. A child with more impairing symptoms may have diffi culty getting
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