Your description does not offer strong indications of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. If the ADHD symptoms (particularly the impulsivity) are severe, and the stakes are high (e.g., being able to act successfully at school), you might well consider pharmacological treatment even though your daughter is young. Sure, it's best to hold medication in abeyance if possible with very young children. But, if the child displays a biologically-based neurointegrative or emotional disorder, and the condition is a severe hindrance to mastering the demands of the age, then medication can be a useful and sensible intervention.
I am not an expert and I am sure Dr. Kennedy will have good input for you. As a non-expert, I do not believe that ODD exists at this age. If she was formally diagnosed by a prefessional child mental child specialist, the ADHD is probably severe and is causing her to behave in this manner. In such cases, I believe that medication is recommended at this age. You should talk to a child psychiatrist or child development dr. that specializes in ADHD and see if you can try to medicate her. Also, make sure that her school is appropriate for her. Maybe the school has too many children and noise for her disability. This could cause her to behave like you stated. The school also needs to be aware of her disability and have a behavior plan for her. Good luck.
With such a family history, pharmacological treatment is reasonable. Let the results speak for themselves. It could be a very useful intervention for her.
Last night we had another visit with the psychiatrist, and he wants to put my daughter on medicine to see if it will help. I am all for this, and he is the 3rd doctor we have been to with these issues (Primary care, Psychologist and now a psychiatrist).
Here is the issue, my husband (who has not been part of these visits) is concerned about putting her on the medication and wants yet ANOTHER opinion. He wants to ask one of his professors, however, that professor does not know my child and has not observed her.
He is worried aboutt the long-term effects. Funny thing is, he is on Straterra for his ADHD (husband), son is on Focalin for his ADHD, and now somehow b/c my little girl does not have the learning disability with her ADHD, but instead has the behavioral issues, he doesn't want to medicate her.
Any advice??? I'm very frustrated. As a mom, I know she needs something or she will soon be kicked out of school.....