NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT AND EDUCATION

SIMON EPSTEIN, M.D.
91 STRAWBERRY HILL AVE. #140
STAMFORD, CT 06902
203-348-8579

Monthly NewsNotes

Monthly NewsNote

July 2004

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CONTINUE ADD MEDICATION DURING THE SUMMER

Each year as school ends, I am asked whether medication for ADD should be continued during the summer. And each summer I write a similar message. I think that medication should be used even though there is no school.

We need to remember that ADD is present all day and seven days a week. Therefore, even though there is no homework, symptoms will be present during the summer. Because medication reduces impulsivity, increases the ability to handle frustration and reduces distractibility, good things can happen. The child is calmer, peer relationships are better, and family interactions more rewarding. This increases self esteem, which is always important.

Without medication the opposite might be true. Family tensions could increase, sibling and peer relationships might become more difficult, and the summer with family vacations could seem very long.

Sometimes the use of the medication might be different. During the school day, many children take a long acting form for school and a short acting form when there is homework. I have found that the long acting medication in the morning is enough for camp in most cases. Unless they are very hyper, an afternoon dose is rarely needed. Other modifications might be indicated for summer school, a tutor, or a teenager who sleeps until noon.

There is one condition when we make every effort to reduce or stop the medication. This is when the child is underweight and unable to gain while on stimulant medication. Summer is a good time to “fatten up”. If the medication cannot be stopped or if the weight is a problem despite discontinuing the medication for the summer, other methods of dealing with the weight must be sought.

In summary, I believe that medication should be used during the summer in most cases to insure that the child and family will function at the best possible level.

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