According to Dr. Mary Ann Block of The Block Center:

Amphetamine-type drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Focalin and the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Luvox and the new selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Strattera, can cause serious side effects. These can include seizures, cardiac problems such as arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure and even death. These drugs can also cause emotional symptoms such as psychosis, agitation, aggression, hostility, anxiety and hallucinations. Parents can find complete information about the side-effects of each drug in the drug insert from the pharmacist or in the Physician's Desk Reference

Below are some tests your child may not have been given prior to their ADHD diagnosis. These tests are done routinely at The Block Center.

• Allergy skin test for histamine—other allergy testing will be through a blood test.
• Sensory-Motor, Auditory and Visual Testing
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
• Complete Blood Count
• Thyroid function
• Liver, kidney function, blood glucose, lipid profile
• Food and inhalant allergy testing (blood testing for IgG/IgE foods and IgE inhalants and skin testing for histamine only)
• Test for neurotransmitters
• Heavy Metal Challenge Test with Release form, after liver function normal
• White Blood Cell Nutritional Function Test (Spectracell)
• Dietary Modifications based on lab testing results
• Treatment of any abnormal lab findings
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

  Purpose: Provides information about digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, parasites, inflammation, metabolic activity and immune function. Normalization of the GI tract is essential for health and well-being.

• Complete Blood Count

  Purpose: Provides information concerning the presence of anemia and immune status.

• Thyroid function

  Purpose: Thyroid dysfunction may cause attention and behavior problems.

• Liver, kidney function, blood glucose, lipid profile

  Purpose: Liver and kidney problems may interfere with the ability to detoxify heavy metals. Blood glucose abnormalities may affect behavior and lipid profile may indicate a need for dietary changes.

• Food and inhalant allergy testing (blood and skin testing)

  Purpose: Symptoms related to allergy include hyperactivity, mood swings, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, bedwetting, frequent urination, ear infections, headaches, runny nose, congestion, sinusitis, sore throat, asthma, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, bloating, gas, colic, muscle aches and pains, irregular heart beats, high blood pressure, eczema, weight gain, hives, rashes and joint inflammation.

• NeuroScience Test

  Purpose: To measure the neurotransmitters in the urine which reflects the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.

• Heavy Metal Challenge Test

  Purpose: To determine the presence of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic so they can be removed.

• White Blood Cell Nutritional Functional Test

  Purpose: White blood cell level of several vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, glutathione, cysteine, glucose, fructose and insulin metabolism can be determined

• Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium deficiency symptoms include excessive fidgeting, anxious restlessness, psychomotor instability and learning difficulties
• Genomic Detoxification: This test looks at the genetic predisposition to problems with detoxification.

Does this make you wonder why at least some of these tests were not done with your child?