My son is 7 and was diagnosed at 5 with ADHD. When he was 6 he was additionally diagnosed with ODD (Opposition Defiant Disorder). He has been on several medications, including Sraterra, Risperdal, and Ritalin. My concern is that the medications don't work. I have had my son evaluated and re-evaluated, and have sought second, third, even forth opinions. All say he has has ADHD and ODD. What I don't understand is why the medications don't work if he has these conditions.

Quote from ksmom:

My son is 7 and was diagnosed at 5 with ADHD. When he was 6 he was additionally diagnosed with ODD (Opposition Defiant Disorder). He has been on several medications, including Sraterra, Risperdal, and Ritalin. My concern is that the medications don't work. I have had my son evaluated and re-evaluated, and have sought second, third, even forth opinions. All say he has has ADHD and ODD. What I don't understand is why the medications don't work if he has these conditions.

Because the biological "illness" aka lack of brain chemicals connection of these conditions cannot be measured, tested or proved. They are mainly just theory. Behaviors cannot be confirmed to exist solely because of brain chemistry.