Q
My eight-year-old was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. He's on Ritalin during school hours only. When the Ritalin is in effect, he's far more manageable in all respects. When he comes off the medication, he's a nightmare. Would he be better off not taking the medication? Academically, he has greatly improved since taking it.
A
When some kids come off of their Ritalin doses, they experience a "rebound" effect when their behavior deteriorates. If this is happening with your son, you need to go back to the prescribing physician and discuss it with him. There are other medications as well as ways of distributing the doses that might help to lessen this problem.