Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
First, about
ADHD,
Adderall is a short-acting
amphetamine . It also is made in a long-acting formulation, Adderall XR. The other class of stimulant medication taken for ADHD is
Ritalin and Ritalin XR.
There are other ADHD medications, but it is generally agreed by physicians prescribing these meds that the stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD.
One of these medicines is initiated at the lowest dose and increased at one week intervals. Should a stimulant from one class not be effective, then the physician changes to a stimulant from the other class.
There is currently no
blood test for the diagnosis of ADHD. The best way to make the diagnosis, after the doctor takes his/her own history and performs his/her own physical, is to obtain the observations of the child's behavior from as many responsible adults as possible. When I was making this diagnosis in a previous clinic, I gave the parent two copies of an ADHD Rating Scale(the Vanderbilt). One for the parents and one for the teacher. The teacher's copy could be copied and handed out to child's other teachers. Coaches, librarians, adults teaching hobbies, etc. were also asked their opinions.
Each questionnaire was then rated. If there were high scores for hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention(the three behaviors that characterize ADHD) which was in agreement with what mother told me
and the (6 year or older)child had no learning problems nor difficulty with hearing or vision, then I would recommend trial of a stimulant.
And continue follow-up in the subsequent weeks.
I am providing you with these details to show you the diagnosis of ADHD is not made lightly.
A child who has Asperger's syndrome can also have ADHD. I don't feel we need to discuss your sons' other behaviors now because I am most concerned about how YOU are being treated.
Ma'am, you are in an abusive marriage! And you must get out of it. Until your own life is safe and stable you are not going to be able to do much to help your children.
If you are receiving therapy, you need more or a different therapist.
Please contact your city/county social services department or the social service agency of the religion to which you belong NOW. An informed, compassionate, up-to-date
psychiatrist or LCSW can be the professional who is on your side.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP