M 9 year old won't slow down

[triedeverymed]

My 9 year old has been a straight A student all year. Now he hurry's through his work and is always the first one done. He doesn't listen to us when we tell him to slow down. He also tends to be intimidated by older kids, for example, he sisn't wear his mouthpiece in karate because some older kid said it was stupid. How do I know if he has other issues or if he's a normal 3 rd grader? He always thinks he knows everthing but his grades are showing a different story. Could he be ADD? I really hope not since docs are too quick to medicate children these days.
He also has a lot on axiety related behaviors like chewing on his shirt sleeves. I'm at a loss where to look for answers. we took him to a psychaitrist who said he had a lot of nervous energy and was quick to put him on medication. I really don't want him om medication because overall he gets along with others and it a very polite boy. He just thinks he knows everything without praticing it. Please help, I'm so confused. Thank you,
Erin

[triedeverymed]

Thank you so much for your response. That is exactly the road I want to try, no drugs. And you're right about the tests, they just took the AIMS test and it was 6 days long. I know he was stressed about it. I will add more B vitamins to his diet and make an appointment with a therapist. My husband was just so mad at him yesterday I wanted to go in a corner and cry.
He's lost a lot of privledges this week for "knowing it all" and talking out of line to an adult. We told him his Karate classes lay on the line if he doesn't listen in there. He loves karate so I think that got his attention. Thanks again, I can't tell you how helpful your comment was. I know I'm not alone.
Erin

[musicmama]

If this is happening all of sudden, it could be anxiety.  We had a similar experience with a psychiatrist.  He doped our child up so much, we hardly knew him!  A therapist (especially play therapy) can do a world of good.  We have also started seeing a neuropsychologist.  They have done neurofeedback therapy to help with the anxiety.  This has worked very well.  Our son's anxiety is deeply rooted, and takes a bit more to fix than a couple of therapy sessions.

Third grade is a stressful year for some students, especially if he has to undergo standardized tests.  Even if he doesn't, his teacher may be threatening the class with failure if they don't work harder.

Other things that may help are: a mini trampoline in the corner of the room (or a big one  out back if you can afford it) to run off some energy.  B vitamins help calm the nerves.  This could be a vitamin supplement or an increse in fruits and veggies that include these nutrients.

I think the "know it all" attitude can be normal at his age.  I think it is another level of testing his boundaries.  When my son tries to argue over trivial things, I try to ignore it; but when he refuses to follow my safety rules because he thinks they are dumb, I don't allow him to participate until he complies.

I hope this helped.  Keep me posted.  Good luck and God Bless.