| "I don't believe in medication." You have heard people | | | | may include medication to mitigate the challenges of |
| say this, right? | | | | the condition in order to function well. |
| According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, believe | | | | *Medication, when warranted, has been shown to be |
| means: | | | | one of the most effective treatments for AD/HD. |
| 1 a: to have a firm religious faith b: to accept as true, | | | | *It may be ineffective, however, if it is the only |
| genuine, or real (ideals we believe in) (believes in | | | | intervention. Medication is usually most effective |
| ghosts) | | | | when it is part of a treatment plan that may include |
| 2: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, | | | | therapy, coaching and behavioral interventions, as well |
| efficacy, or ability of something (believe in exercise) | | | | as exercise and proper nutrition. |
| I think we can agree that medication: | | | | *Children, teens and adults who take medication as |
| *is not a religion. | | | | part of a complete treatment plan may do better |
| *is real. | | | | socially, academically and emotionally. |
| *is effective and necessary when used properly. | | | | I also know that the decision to take any medication |
| So, what does it mean when someone says, "I don't | | | | should be made with great care. |
| believe in medication"? | | | | So, the next time you hear someone say, "I don't |
| I don't know. | | | | believe in medication," ask them what they mean. |
| Here is what I do know: | | | | Perhaps, by asking them this question, you can help |
| * It is necessary to have an accurate diagnosis by a | | | | them to become clearer in their thinking. |
| professional who specializes in AD/HD before | | | | "What you perceive, your observations, feelings, |
| embarking on any treatment plan. | | | | interpretations, are all your truth. Your truth is |
| *Treatment for neurobiological conditions, like AD/HD, | | | | important. Yet it is not The Truth. |