Do not drug us understand us!But I do understand many aspies do have perscriptions for various things like anti-depressants or anxiety. I have never had anything like that, and even IF I did have medical inshurance I would not seek them out, some need stuff like that and some dont I guess, but if ya ask me if you can live without it then thats probably the way to go. I spent my entire teen years and even a few years in adulthood screwein around with drugs and alcohol under the beleife that it increased my social awairness, made me a 'better' person and allowed me to chill out. I just wish I knew then what I knew now how much of an illusion that was. I dont mess with stuff like I used too, but still, a few years later I am still paying the price, and probably will for the rest of my lifetime (it contributed to me not finishing collage, well at least thats half the reason I never finished). Indeed, things now are different then they were when we were growing up. While I dont think drugging your kid crazy is the way to go their are some things avalible to parents out their that do help for stuff like agression and anxiety. Without life would be much difficult for both parent and child. I definatly think the best thing for these kids is to just live as much a normal life as possible because no theripy can teach all I learned growing up, just my opnion anyways. Medicine is far from perfect. But so is the human body. Many diagnoses are not necessary. But how often do you say to yourself, this doesn't feel right. What is wrong with me? I'd think that most people think this way. I'm not saying no one needs medication, but sometimes understanding ourselves and realizing our symptoms are a part of who we are, can be just as important. After only recently being diagnosed with Aspergers
I wrote an article to help Raise Awareness of Aspergers Syndrome back
in July 2007, since then have set up my own web site and also have been
doing lots of research. The positive is that I have found there is an
overall push to raise awareness and understanding, and the realization
that Aspergers is not an illness or disease, just a different way of
thinking and seeing things.
I continually hear about parents wanting to know how to change their children and what’s the best drug for their child’s condition or associated condition, when all that child really needs is understanding and support. At least try and learn and understand your child or yourself first..
I agree that we need to learn other perspectives on life, and we have to learn to fit in to get on in society. I have often felt I have to act in the real world to fit in and be myself in mine, that can be very lonely... our children need to be comfortable with who they are and not always having to worry about being the prefect child. We do all have to learn and be accepting of other people, but it has to work 2 ways and others have to be willing to accept us. But as soon as I mention I have Aspergers fun watching the reactions, others are not as willing to accept me. So it often feels I have to go out of my way all the time. So that’s why at times to me anyway it does seem like its society in general that is at fault.
There are always 2 sides to every aspect of life, mine has changed since being diagnosed and understanding and excepting my differences, and no longer feeling like I have to continually conform. And/or no longer feel the need to take alcohol / drugs. (Drugs because of my mother’s excessive use would never take, but has helped me see things from a different point of view)..to try and fit in, as often our biggest problem can be having to continue please everyone else and our real selves get lost. If I was given drugs when growing up would of thought something was wrong with me, what I really needed was someone to tell me it’s ok to have Aspergers and be different. Do not drug us and tell us to conform – without really knowing first! .You try growing up and being told to "fit in" be like "like everyone else" whatever that is, allow your child to be themselves. We are not disabled we are differently able - unique often misunderstood individuals!. Depression drugs don’t work, finds data reviewMillions of people taking commonly prescribed antidepressants such as Prozac and Seroxat might as well betaking a placebo, according to the first study to include unpublished evidence. The new generation of antidepressant drugs work no better than a placebo for the majority of patients with mild or even severe depression, comprehensive research of clinical trials has found. The researchers said that the drug was more effective than a placebo in severely depressed patients but that this was because of a decreased placebo effect. The study, described as “fantastically important” by British experts, comes as the Government publishes plans to help people to manage depression without popping pills. More than £291 million was spent on antidepressants in 2006, including nearly £120 million on SSRIs. As many as one in five people suffers depression at some point. With that in mind, ministers will today publish plans to train 3,600 therapists to treat depression. Spending on counselling and other psychological therapies will rise to at least £30 million a year. The study, by Irving Kirsch, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Hull, is the first to examine both published and unpublished evidence of the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which account for 16 million NHS prescriptions a year. It suggests that the effectiveness of the drugs may have been exaggerated in the past by drugs companies cherry-picking the best results for publication. .David Rose - 26 Feb.08 - Article and comments.. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/artic le3434486.eceJust a few of the great varied comments attached above article (over 100): "Its
is about time that the veil is being pulled from the pharmaceutical
companys selective clinical trial publishing practices. I have suffered
on and off from depression my entire life. Although I have been on many
different antidepressants, none have "cured" me. The last
antidepressant I tried, Wellbutrin, made me suicidal, even though I was
not suicidal before I started taking it. It took every ounce of energy
I had to resist driving my car into a brick wall. Since I was 45 at the
time, I hardly fell into the teenager black box warning. Hopefully this
study will make people think twice before they subject themselves to
the possible harmful side effects of these drugs.. Joey B, Clermont,
FL, USA" . "A lot of these depression problems come back to your life style, as has been said, it's your body saying that something is not right in your life and drastic changes need to be made. Ignoring what your body and mind are telling you and masking those feelings and emotions with drugs, whether they are prescription, legal or illegal, just adds to your problems! It's no good blocking out the problems that are
causing the depression, you have to tackle them head on, talk about
them and try you'e very best to resolve your issues. When the drugs don't work, try talking - Times Online - March 2008 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/artic le3465811.ece?Submitted=true. Of course I do realize that there are various conditions where individuals would struggle without medication, and that most conditions are not made to sell pills, but you need to be aware that there are 100s of fad treatments, and medication is not always the only choice. I grow up with an undiagnosed mother who I’m sure now had Aspergers; she was on medication all her life, not being able to be a real mother. She was so misunderstood, miss diagnosed so many times, her life consist of taking a drug(s) upping the dose, changing the drug and the circle went on She always felt like she never belonged in this world, no one seem to understand and consequent of this, she was never happy and never able to be a mother to me. I am not a professional but do know when my mother was given drugs she quite often became more suicidal, and we was told at one point that drugs for depression can make manic depressive (then, now bipolar) people worse, I also feel now she had Aspergers. My mother also had shock treatment, like many others; if they couldn't understand you back then they tried to change you. But that was some time ago, the thing is not all drugs have the same effect on everyone and work. And maybe drugs for NT, do not work the same on Aspies, just a thought! Because of this I always try not to medicate myself or my children, unless of course had too. Would always make sure my doctor would only give drugs as last resort, that’s how it should be. And I have managed to survivor without them, maybe not always to the best interest of my family, but who knows. But I do know I have only felt better, found my true self since being diagnosed and learning and understanding about Aspergers. I no longer feel the outside, there is reason in my world now, and I’m happy and proud to have Aspergers and join the Aspie club. Please Don't Label My Child: A must read if you are thinking of / or are medicating your child....
Break the Doctor-Diagnosis-Drug Cycle and Discover Safe, Effective
Choices for Your Child's Emotional Health - Scott M. Shannon, Emily
Heckman. To read extracts from book click on link:
It does really concern me that so many youngest are being medicated so early on in life, as there are alternatives, often these youngest just need lots and lots of support and understanding, to help through the difficult stages in their lives. To me drugs will never be the only answer - just the very last resort. I feel if these youngest should be allowed to grow up without all the prejudice and stigma associated with Aspergers. They would have a much better chance of becoming the confidence unique individual and bring with that a wealth of talent, creativity, innovative. … This is what can happen when parents try and change their children, instead of embracing their differences. Of course I do realize most parents just do what they feel is right and what the professionals advise, a big part of the problem is there still is not enough understanding and/or support for individuals on the autism spectrum: "I think I slipped under the radar. They basically slapped me with an ADD label, gave me a bottle of antidepressants/anxiety pills and dropped kicked me out the door. Not that I was even really old enough to understand it all then, but in my 20's now and looking back over all the little symptoms that were basically thought to be totally irrelevent then, it's like "Huh, I think I might have AS" I haven't been "officially" diagnosed yet but everything points to it. I plan on setting up an appointment with my shrink soon, they'll probably want to put me on pills again.Like, "Oh, you poor thing, how will you ever function in the world?" Quite well thank you, as long as I'm not zombified on zoloft. They had me on xanax and zoloft and some other stuff. Those pills made everything so much worse, I was already having trouble feeling emotions and then they take away my anxiety and depression. Yes those emotions are no fun but it's better than feeling absolutely NOTHING."
I have myself suffered and still do, quite badly in the past and when growing up was very anxious and can have very bad mood swings, depression and it’s not the easiest root not to medicate It was suggested that I go onto medication when diagnosed earlier this year, choose not to, as never been a big fan myself. But since being diagnosed I have totally changed and if was on medication would of thought that was the reason, but it’s not, it’s now knowing and being able to be my true self that has changed things.
But really the things that always help me the most is first regular exercise, the worse the mood the more I need; diet has always helped me a lot also. I know diet can be a big problem for some Aspergers, and do know how hard it can be as a parent having a very fussy eater as a child, so if this is the case do not feel you’re a bad parent, get help. Also when at a low the worse thing to do is binge on things like sugar, caffeine, alcohol which can be a trigger to elevate the your conditions to an extreme point. I try to keep my diet as healthy and balanced as possible, and the most important is to know yourself and having others who understand or at least try. .
The line between genius and illness - Feb.08 Unfortunately it is all to easy for people on the spectrum to become addicted to things, we can be excessive in what ever we do, and often have associated conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I used alcohol to cover up my social anxiety for so long, it use to take a lot of alcohol to get me anywhere. I
was like that for years, it was the only way I seem to feel I fitted,
being diagnosed has changed that in the fact I now know who I am and
have the confidence to not have to drink alcohol. Do I enjoy social
events more, not really and often prefer not to. There are no great
answers, but it does help to have good friends who understand you. And
do the things you want, make you happy, not what others demand... My mother was an alcoholic, and I'm also sure she was on the spectrum like myself. She always felt the outsider and never felt as if she fitted or belonged in this world and so drank. I also did go down that path for a while myself, so can understand. But being diagnosed and at last understanding myself has freed me from the need to drink.
I do not agree that AA is the best place for people on the spectrum, but one of the only places for people to go at present. In my opinion there needs to be more support groups who understand these issues... Quote: An alcoholic is someone you don't like who drinks as much as you do - Dylan Thomas Alcohol can be one of the worse, seen it, done it. But really what is the point on even being on medication if drinking alcohol or taking any other drugs. If you really feel that medication is for you, the first thing is to not drink alcohol and/or drug abuse, next need a while for this , get real healthy - diet, exercise and learn who you really are. If need help with this, then get it - no excuses... and after all this you may not even feel the need to take medication, but if you do try noit to see it as long term. Did you know that alcohol itself is an extremely potent depressant? You certainly don't want to feel more depressed! The use of alcohol and drugs can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of a depressive illness. Many depressive conditions are associated with the excessive use of alcohol and some drugs. Using drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of dangerous behaviors including suicide or cause complicated interactions with your prescribed medication. In sum, alcohol or drug use can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment, prolong your illness, and increase the risk of negative medication side effects. Some
people really do need to take medication and I do realize this, but
there are also lots of people who do not really need too, and a lot of
you who may benefit from psychotherapy rather than medication. If you
have no option then always make sure you check side effects of drugs..
most side effects are reversible and gradually disappear after a
medication is stopped. Also remember most asperger people are prone to
have addictive personalities... You also need to remember that medication will not "fix" everything, but it may help lighten your mood and help you to function so that you can begin working through other problems. Something else to consider, there are natural substances such as St. John's Wort and when things have got really bad for me, this has helped me. Also lots of people who become pregnant stop medication as can be harmful to fetus, and they are still ok, could this just be that they are also watching their diet, not drinking alcohol and generally being healthier!
I do know it’s not that easy for some of us. Been there done that, had such deep, deep sad times – felt so alone, totally lost at times – but now know that’s partly having to grow up in a NT world, where was never allowed just to be me. If I was from another culture I would be allowed to be different, so why not allow and except some of our differences. Why can not the NT’s meet us in a middle grond, because to me at times it feels like an inferior species trying to tell me what to do and it just does not make sense. Unfortunately I think the NT’s forget, a lot of us aspies seem to have an advanced intelligence and the NT’s seem to have a problem understand us. Sorry but just trying to turn the tables a little, as us aspies are always being put down, so just trying to let the NT’s know what it like, when I turn things around a little. Also what a pain the NT’s can be continually trying to change us, make us conform and live their lifes, because it’s easier for them. Moods
for me I seem to have a peak time, when I feel very unnerved and
agitated. But then with me it seems to be a monthly thing to do with
hormones, but as my doctor has told me my existing problem is just made
worse at this time of the month, too many of us just blame the time of
the month and put up with more than we have too. I’m not saying males
do not suffer because of course they do, but for females their existing
problems can become a lot worse at these peak times.
Even though I have choose not to take any medication, I do recognize it may not be as easy .for everyone But it does concern me that so many young adults are encourage to take drugs, as I know myself having Aspergers and obsessive tendencies when things are at a peak always seem to want to go to excess, want more. Just trying to say when at low point if already on drugs, these young adults could be more venerable to taking more than they need.
I do realize that having Aspergers and growing up being told you are wrong all the time, do not feel you fit into society, feel the outsider all the time, can be very confusing for young adults and it’s not surprising that they feel isolated and become depressed, who wouldn’t and when depression sets in their quite often is a genuine need to medicate, but all I’m saying is try and only do this as a last result, if, really no other choice.
If your child is already on medication please take professional advice first before any changes, I just want to let people know drugs are not and should not be the only way, especially in regard to such young children. If you medicate your child, what chance do they have as adults - they need support and understanding, not control and change... Love this quote from Stephen Fry's program, and view program below - well worth watching: "But the idea that once you start on medication and each time you go off it you seem to get worse is a very grim one." Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive As we continue to grow, we need to learn and adapt From an aspies point of view – the NT’s can be a real pain…. Maybe it’s time as aspies took control of our own destiny – why do we allow the NT’s to tell us we should act like this, be like that – do we have to live our lifes living on the outside, never feeling we belong, fitting in to please others. I have spent a life time of trying to please everyone else, has that made me happy No. What help and advice have I been given – suggested get supported from a group that are all NT’s, how can they really understand! Medications to control me, why so that I fit into the NT’s world in a drugged haze – no thank you, my manic times are my most creative, think I would like to keep them thank you. Why is it that if you say you are on the spectrum, people feel sorry for you, you need help!. Well sorry to disappoint but quite a few of us are very intelligent individuals, and to us it seems like the NT’s need a lot more education to understand – it’s not us who need the help! I do not have a lifelong disability. Aspergers is part of who I am, I’m ok with that, why cannot you be! If you have Aspergers your really not alone, there truly are so many more people, who just like you are discovering there true selves. I want to be their for you, as know what its like not to have anyone - so if you need me, I will be there for you, Email me via contacts or go to forum main menu..
Alyson Bradley - 5 November 2007 - nzlyson@yahoo.co.nz |
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