Ep. 105: Medication Helps But is Not a Magic Potion for ADHD with Syed Naqvi, MD

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might be considering your treatment options. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for children between the ages of 4 and 6, the first line of treatment should include parent training in behavior management and behavioral classroom interventions. Medication should be used if those interventions do not result in significant improvement or if the child continues to have serious problems. For children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18, recommended treatment is FDA approved medications along with parent training in behavior management and classroom interventions. Medication works alongside behavior management. We get questions frequently about medication and they need to be answered by a pediatric expert. That’s why I have asked Dr. Syed Naqvi to join the podcast for this conversation on medication as a treatment for ADHD. In this episode, you’ll learn how medication can benefit a child with ADHD, but also the steps to take before it is ever considered.     Show Notes: [2:46] - Over the years, Dr. Wilson has received numerous questions about medication. [3:33] - Medication consultations are necessary to determine if it’s appropriate. [4:26] - Not every case of ADHD needs medication as treatment. [5:50] - For medication to be used, ADHD must interfere with daily life. [7:01] - Be mindful that ADHD might not be the sole factor in disruptive behavior. [8:55] - Dr. Naqvi is adamant about using standard scales. [10:10] - Sometimes, Dr. Naqvi can be doing an ADHD assessment and notice other learning disabilities. [11:33] - Interventions will vary depending on the age of the child and there are a lot of factors that impact them. [13:14] - Interventions need to be revisited every 6-12 months. [15:29] - The root cause is the most important piece to find and that’s challenging in a child as they are growing and changing. [17:23] - All medications have side effects and they need to be considered. If the risks outweigh the benefits, that is not the route to take. [18:49] - The benefits of medication will be different per child. [20:50] - Setting boundaries and rules to help manage behavior is necessary in addition to medication. [23:07] - Dr. Naqvi and Dr. Wilson discuss work by Russell Barkley. [24:01] - Interventions need to take place before medication is introduced. [25:19] - Some parents are disappointed when medication isn’t immediately prescribed, but Dr. Naqvi shares that it is not a magic potion. [27:05] - Dr. Naqvi shares the differences between some common medications prescribed for ADHD. [30:16] - FDA guidelines must be considered. [31:36] - Dr. Naqvi educates parents on other types of supplements that could benefit children with ADHD before resorting to medication. [33:12] - Let children have their joy but be aware of things like treats and how they impact their behavior. [35:26] - Be aware of myths that surround ADHD and ADHD medication. [36:43] - Genetics also plays a role in side effects. [37:53] - ADHD is a genetic disorder, which may impact the parent in remembering to give the child medication appropriately. [40:39] - If you have questions for Dr. Naqvi, email is the best way to reach him.   About Our Guest: Syed Naqvi MD is Board certified and recertified, in both adult and child & Adolescent psychiatry. He provides state-of-the-art psychopharmacological treatment to children with autism, intellectual disabilities with psychiatric issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Tourette's disorder. He has been the recipient of numerous awards. Dr. Naqvi is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry in UCLA. He also devotes his professional time as Director of Psychiatric services at Wayfinder family services in Los Angeles and in his private practice in Beverly Hills and Calabasas.     Connect with Dr. Naqvi: Email: [email protected]   Links and Related Resources: Episode 34: Key Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD with Dr. Russell A. Barkley What Causes ADHD? The Intersection of Executive Function, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences Executive Functioning and Self Regulation in ADHD Mindfulness in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder   Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.