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> I have to side with Mark on this one, almost word-for-word. There is definitely a problem involved in most of these cases (while there may be some cases of children who are, as you said, too advanced, I can't help but think they're in the minority), at least as explained to me by all of the people I grew up with who had ADD. And I believe that other options should be explored before drugs are administered. If absolutely nothing else works, then try medication. As someone who has survived for nearly twenty-one years with manic-depression (or bipolar disorder, or whatever they call it nowadays) and has never taken medication for it, I assure you that it is possible to overcome these things. It's not easy, but to my mind it's worth it. I feel better knowing that I can deal with my problems without recourse to lithium pills; it might be best to give your son the opportunity to do the same.
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I would have to say I'm impressed with your ability to cope with bipolar, without medication. You must have an incredibly strong support network, and an amazing will.
I know someone who cannot cope, even with the medications, and seeing that person swing is one of the scariest things imaginable. Congratulations!
sam"Impressed"hael