Yes, I'm saying that she might be able to go off them later if she wants to, depending on her individual circumstances, of course. There are many people who are able to develop coping strategies and use external supports to help them manage the effects of their ADHD who don't use meds or who only use them when the demands on their attention are unusually high...and there are people who wouldn't dream of missing a dose of their meds, because the difference it makes for them is so profound. You can't know at this point where on that spectrum your child is going to fall years from now, and thankfully, you don't have to.
Of course, you want to be certain that you have a correct diagnosis before deciding about meds. That's just common sense. It's not a decision to make lightly, and prescribing and adjusting these kinds of meds is not something I'd personally go to a GP or regular pediatrician for.
And I'd agree that misdiagnosis is rampant - plenty of kids with other issues are labeled ADHD and plenty who actually have ADHD are labeled with something else, and giftedness absolutely complicates the picture. I agree with many others here in recommending "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults" as a resource for you to use both for yourself and to share with the professionals seeing your child.
I think I remember that you are already getting a copy of "Late, Lost, and Unprepared" and "Smart, but Scattered". ADHD or no ADHD, and meds or no meds, helping your child improve executive functioning and skills to the extent possible is bound to make life easier to negotiate in the long run.
