'My son's developed a fear of rain. Could it be the Ritalin?'

our online advisors reply:

Children developing strange ideas and anxieties is not particularly unusual. In many cases a particular fear will just disappear after a while. Of course, serious flooding does seem to be happening more frequently in the UK in recent years. Is it possible that your son is reacting to seeing film of floods on television?

Whether there is a link between Ritalin and your son's fear too is difficult to say for sure. Increased nervousness and anxiety have been reported as one of the possible side-effects of this drug. However, anxiety is definitely not a common problem for children taking Ritalin – reduced appetite and sleep problems are much more likely.

Whoever diagnosed your son's condition is in the best position to offer advice on whether Ritalin may be connected with your son's fear of rain. If they do think there is a link, they might be able to offer other medication. Ritalin is the most common drug used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but it doesn't work for all children, and it isn't the only thing available.

It's generally thought that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and behaviour management. You don't say whether you have had any advice about techniques to help improve your son's behaviour and concentration. Have you read our feature on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? It contains a section on what parents can do to help them cope. You can also find specific sources of help and advice at the end.

Bringing up a child is difficult enough even without the extra problems and stresses caused by ADHD. Life with a child who has the condition can be both emotionally and physically draining. It is important that you look after yourself if you are to continue to help and lead your own life as well. If you would like to talk to someone about this, or any other parenting issue, it may help to contact Parentline Plus on 0808 800 2222. The lines are open 24 hours a day.

In your question you describe your son's fear of rain as 'silly' and that makes me wonder how you react when he expresses his anxiety. It may seem irrational to you but the fear is probably quite real to your son. He might feel more reassured if, rather than simply telling him he is silly, you say something like 'Oh I don't think there's enough rain for it to flood today.'

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