Ridolin needed?

[sherrob]

Can someone tell me if Ridolin can be prescribed to a child when not needed. What I mean is, I know someone who has there child on this med. because the mother says she cant control her child's behavior. I had never witnessed any other behavior in this child other than being a normal kid. However, the mother does need psych help and drugs. She is the type of mother that is self absorbed with loose morals, etc. The type you want to slap and say get a grip, you need to learn how to be a mother. Any way, I am concerned about this child having to take this med. Can I have oppinions?

[memphispanda, RN]

It's Ritalin. It should be difficult to get a prescription that isn't needed, but all too often it is prescribed just to get parents out of the doctor's hair. (please don't think I am anti-med for children that need it--I have a child who takes Ritalin).

I believe that any child being considered for treatment with Ritalin or other stimulants should go through a full battery of testing first. Filling out a 1 page questionaire doesn't cut it.

At any rate, sounds like a good situation to butt out of. Not your child, you sound a bit judgmental towards the mother, and you don't state that you have any clinical interest in this information.

[sanakruz, ADN]

Ditto, Panda, although it MAY be over prescribed

I have seen people demand it, even for a 3 year old.

A child with impaired school functioning would need further assessment-but this would be a good reason to prescribe it .

[susanmary]

You haven't elaborated on your relationship with the mother.

Rather than feeling like slapping this mother, realize that she needs guidance and support. From your post, it sounds as if she needs professional help & perhaps doesn't have the emotional maturity to actually be a nurturing parent to her child. Three-year olds are a handful -- that's what they are supposed to be -- they are not mini adults, they are not pets, they are not accessories ... what they are is a GIFT. Unforunately, this is not a perfect world. Hopefully, this mother will get the treatment that she needs for herself.

I would hope that the toddler's physician is following this child closely ... I'm guessing that a 3-year old on Ritalin is not the norm.

How can you support this mother? Can you lend some support/be a role model to her? Do you have a child the same age so that perhaps you can be a positive influence .. say take this child to the library on a regular basis (perhaps schedule a weekly/biweekly) outing to the library for story hour, arts & crafts, etc. -- would be a positive place to start.

[TitaniaSidhe]

if you strongly feel the child is in danger from the parent b/c of facts not your opinion or feelings regarling the mother, then contact social services & report the parent. They will investigate if the child is being mistreated. I STRONGLY reccomend you think about your motives before doing this however as it can be very damaging to both the child & the adults if this is done out of malice & is unwarrented. I have a child on Concerta which is stimulant based for AD/HD but we had to have many tests & such before such a med was even considered for her. In my personal opinion I would think 3yrs. old too young for this...

[broeder]

there is, unfortunately a growing number of GP's who give ritalin scrips without the proper knowledge of child psychiatry