MHM Magazine

evaluations by experienced professionals in the field. We had him assessed by an educational psychologist and had psychometric testing done to determine whether he presented with any other cognitive difficulties. He attended occupational therapy sessions weekly, which helped him with emotional regulation and sensory integration. Throughout this process we researched various medical treatment options for ADHD. We worked with the school on how to manage his behaviour there, with the help of his occupational therapist. With all the research and with the input from various medical practitioners and parents who are living with a child with ADHD our parenting techniques changed, and our understanding of ADHD grew. Initially, the stigma attached to children with ADHD concerned us, until we realised how prevalent ADHD is in South Africa. Throughout this process we experienced some strong opinions from various people related to the pros and cons of medication, diet, and parenting techniques. While waiting and researching ADHD, and the effects of Ritalin, we had numerous and strong discussions between ourselves on whether we should give our son ADHD medication or not when he turned 6 years old. We had different opinions on the way forward, which was indicative of public sentiment. Our general practitioner was extremely helpful in the information and support he gave us throughout this process. After all the results from the psychometric testing reflected combined type for ADHD, he assisted with prescribing ADHD medication for our son when he turned six years old. Initially he prescribed a month’s trial of medication, which gave us the opportunity to continue discussing and exploring our options. However, once we saw the improvement in our son’s behaviour, we decided to continue with the medication, and at each stage that a higher dosage was required, there was a ten-day trial period at the increased dosage before continuing for a month. When it became clear that our son required a higher dosage than he was willing to prescribe, he suggested it would be best to see a psychiatrist who would then be able to assist with the correct dosage for ADHD and who could prescribe medication for the anxiety our son had been experiencing as well. This highlights the importance of a general practitioner’s role in the process of managing our child’s condition. The improvement in our son and family since the beginning of this journey has been significant. He has gained the ability to better interact with other children socially and within the classroom, he pays closer attention in class to instructions given, his academics and art has improved quite noticeably as he is able to focus for a longer period, and he is able to follow requests more effectively. Our family life has improved, the emotional turmoil has gone, and we have all learnt to work together to help him through the difficulties he still experiences due to ADHD and anxiety to bring about the best outcome in any given situation. He still struggles when the medication wears off and the anxiety is high, but with the help of continued occupational therapy and his weekly psychotherapy sessions he is learning how to manage his emotions and own expectations as well as learn self-awareness in the process. We have learnt ways to support him and have all learnt a better way of interacting during moments of disruptive behaviour. ADHD is a disorder and can be treated. We acknowledge that this is how our son is wired and processes the information that he sees, hears, and feels, and recognise that the medication he receives helps him to focus and learn at school, interact with his peers, and regulate his emotions and thoughts. It is also important that, any parent who is living with a child with ADHD be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of their role in managing their child’s difficulties. References available on request. 6 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2023 | Issue 5 MHM