Disrespectful and violent behavior in kid

Thank you ladies.  You're responses were very helpful.  I think Focus it to blame for sure...since it's the first time we've noticed this type of behavior and it started just a couple of weeks after starting Focus. 

Hi all. 

My 6yo son was recently dx'd with ADHD.  We were prescribed Strattera, but I chose to go the Herbal/Homeopathic route per the Doctor's permission.  We've been taking Focus for the past 3 weeks.  For the past week or so my son's been saying hurtful things like "I hate you"....and screaming.  We try to sit down and talk with him and everytime I open my mouth to say something (in a calm voice) he screams...I guess to overpower me and shut me out.  It's very frustrating.  He grabbed my arms and squeezed my wrists and screamed at me.  This is my baby boy who's always been a "momma's boy" and has never said a hurtful thing to me in his life.  I haven't done anything to change his feelings toward me, yet he says these things!  He's said it to me, his dad, grandmother and grandfather.....  I'm wondering what might be going on in his head. 

I guess I've summed everything up.   I just need some guidance.

Our dx was by our Pediatrician.  I am planning on calling the doc for a referral to see a Psych and get a better dx...maybe there's some other underlying condition other than ADHD that he has.

I need a hug. 

Angela

Angela,

I'm sorry you're going through this.  It's never easy, particularly when you've never experienced anything like this before.

Since the behavior began after you started the herbal/homeopathic remedies, I would take a good look at what you're giving your son.  Even natural remedies can have side effects, and you may have stumbled into one.

Having said that, a pediatrician is a great first-line resource on childhood illnesses, but he is not qualified to diagnose a complicated neurological disorder like ADHD.  In your shoes, I would see a good child psychiatrist to rule in or out psychiatric illness and then have your son evaluated by a neuropsychologist to asses for other childhood disorders (like ADHD).  Without an accurate diagnosis, there is no way you can get your son the proper interventions.

Good luck!

It is most likely something in the Focus product that is manipulating neurotransmitters that do not need to be manipulated....for example, there may be something in that product that is raising your son's dopamine levels which may already be high.  That was the case for my son.  The behaviors you describe are common with dopamine levels that are too high.

Homeopathic does not automatically mean safe.  My son is under a Naturopathic Doctor's care so all his supplements are closely monitored.....that is the right way to go if you are not an expert in the field.

A lot of things mirror ADHD (bipolar, autism), but Conduct Disorder is a very serious label that isnt' even supposed to be given until a child is 18. It basically antisocial personality disorder ( a child with no conscience ) and does not mirror ADHD, as ADHD kids have a conscience. To learn more about Conduct Disorder, you may want to go to this site and ask about it. Plenty of experienced, veteran moms will check in and answer your post.

www.conductdisorders.com

I would worry about any professional who gives a CD dx. to a little kid. The best diagnosticians are NeuroPsychs and Child Psychiatrists and imo it's best to see one of both, and have them working together.

I agree that if this new behavior started when she started this remedy, it's likely the remedy causing a reaction. It's always a good idea to check with a regular doctor before you start a natural substance as they also have side effects and some are severe. Since I tried many for myself, I know of what I speak. I ended up in ER by taking Niacin. Be careful. There is no monitoring of these remedies, herbs, or vitamin supplements.

I tried Focus for my 5 year old also because I had heard all the bad things about medication.  I took him off all preservatives and completely changed his diet.  He only got worse.  I finally after almost needing help for myself let him be put on medication.  He has been taking concerta since last Tuesday and the change is wonderful 

Amanda Wimbley

      Here is your hug and a big one too. I am going through some of the same things wiht my 7y/o - he also has a dx of adhd and DID take strattera - which for him did not work. We are currently ust using behavior modification and melatonin for sleep until we have a clearer dx - point being you are on the right track and this is a great resource - i would have to agree with the above posters also I would take him off focus until you can find out what is up.

Best wishes - please post again with update.

I've been hearing a lot that might help with your son.  There is a disorder that mirrors ADHD in children but has some rather scary additional symptoms that your son is showing.  It's called CD - Conduct disorder.  It's characterized by many of the ADHD symptoms (inability to focus, memory, etc.) but also by the lashing out and bursts of uncontrolled emotion.  Not saying this is it - but if you google CD they have much info on it now.

Also - allergies can cause emotional dysfunction.  I went to school with adopted children who were allergic to everything - gluten, milk - everything.  They were not only disruptive but destructive when they came into contact with an allergen.  Very scary.  A scratch test with fasting and testing can check that.

There are a number of things it could be - but ADHD typically doesn't include violence - so other things need to be checked ASAP!

Good luck to you here.

All great advice BUT taking into consideration that he did not act like this prior to Focus, I would have to put my money on that vs. things like a conduct disorder.

You will probably see the same reaction when using Strattera if it manipulates the same neurotransmitters as the Focus is.....same with any other med for ADHD.

With all due respect to Glen, I have to agree with Tater -- we're talking about a week of disrespectful behavior, most likely caused by a bad reaction to a homeopathic remedy or a misdiagnosis that doesn't fit the remedy.  That in no way points to conduct disorder. 

BTW, the only symptom ADHD and conduct disorder shares is disruptive behavior.  The features of conduct disorder that are not characteristic of ADHD are lack of remorse, intent to harm or do wrong, aggression and hostility and antisocial behavior (according to a January 2005 article in the New England Journal of Medicine).

Ang7880

If you do decide to try the Strattera you most likely won't see much of an effect when you first start. STrattera takes a few day to get into the blood stream. Some people do well with this drug and others dont. My son is doing fine with strattera

My daughter some nights can be a monster and I just let her go and let her get it out of her system before talking to her and hugging her.  Do not take what a kid is saying out of emotion like anger or by being upset over something.  As for a reaction on natural stuff discuss that with the doctor and read the label for side effects first.

    As for defiance I get that too but for you it may mean a stage your child is going through or what my child has Strong willed child resembles ODD.  And for any of the diagnosis we are all guessing at get an evaluation done by psychologist.  I  hope things get better for you.