ADHD and Anxiousness
Hi all, I'm new to the board!! My son was diagnosed with ADHD almost a year ago. It was controlled well with Concerta 36 mg, but right before Christmas, it stopped working. We started using 54 mg and still wasn't doing anything, and he seemed more and more anxious. Yesterday we went to the doctor and she prescribed Focalin 20 mg. He took it this morning for the 1st time and really seemed like he was unmedicated. The whole time he's been very anxious/nervous, BUT he ALWAYS has been, I've noticed little things since about age 1 or so. Is there something that could help him with that?? His dr seems to think it's the meds, I KNOW it's not! She said to try the Focalin and see what happens. I really don't want my son to be an experiment, although I realize that may be what it takes!!
Is nervousness part of ADHD? Is it possible we're dealing with something else here? I'm really thinking of finding a new doc but she's the only our insurance will pay that deals with ADHD.
Thanks so much,
Sunshine
I've often wondered the same thing. Since about 2 1/2 my son has been very anxious about certain things - loud noises, anything in a costome (i.e. school mascot, halloween costumes, paint on face, etc), he will avoid going somewhere just because of these things. He is now 8 and still struggles with this. he goes to a new doctor (psychologist) next week so I'm curious to see what she has to say about it. I think it may be sensory related, but not sure.
Sunshine, welcome! Anxiety is not a part of ADHD, but it can be a co-existing condition. Anxiety can also appear as ADHD because it in and of itself can cause inattention and fidgetiness. In addition, stimulants (like Concerta and Focalin) can exacerbate anxiety. So it is complicated to sort out ADHD and anxiety. There are meds for anxiety if it is severe enough to interfere with life functioning, but they are different from the meds used for ADHD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can also help with anxiety issues.
Some questions for you: How old is your son? What kind of doctor diagnosed him? What kind of doctor is treating him now? I would recommend two new evaluations -- one by a neuropsychologist to confirm the ADHD and identify any learning issues and one by a board-certified child psychiatrist to assess mood issues (anxiety, depression, mood disorder). It's important to know what you're dealing with before putting interventions into place.
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How old is your son? 9
What kind of doctor diagnosed him? Regular Pediatrician
What kind of doctor is treating him now? Ped.
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Thanks for the info :) I'll be checking into new docs!!! :)
Anytime a child is overly anxious of seemingly harmless thing or loud noises it's good to see a NeuroPsych to check for not just ADHD, but possible co-morbid or mimicking disorders. I highly recommend a NeuroPsych. They are far more intensive in their testing than other professionals and don't just say, "Yeah, it's ADHD" after an hour's appointment (or less). Responding to loud noises is a sensory issue, which can be a part of high functioning autistic spectrum disorders and it's best to check everything out. Stims can make anxious kids even more anxious. Best to get the whole picture before starting with medication. "Leave no stone unturned"Neuropsychologists are frequently found at university and children's hospitals.
Who is doing the testing for Aspergers?
Hi everyone, my son has recently been diagnosed (1 week ago) with ADHD. He is 5 years old, and a wonderful child. He is very eager to please, but just acts totally on impulse. The school neurologist is the one who diagnosed him, but he also goes to see one that his pediatrician recommended in June. The doc that just diagnosed him, prescribed Guanfacine(Tenex) 1mg at bedtime and half in the morning. It has calmed him down some, but my question is what else can I do? I hate to see him having to take a medication that is just making out of it. I am very new to all of this and only 24 years old. If anybody has any advise I would appreciate it greatly. thanx, shannon[QUOTE=SmallMom]Neuropsychologists are frequently found at university and children's hospitals.
Who is doing the testing for Aspergers?
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Actually his school is testing him.
I really am so new to all this and have NO idea where to go, I'm on the phone now with my insurance to find out how/what they cover! THANKS!!
I guess I will check around and find a good NeuroPsych!!! Looking in my provider book, I don't see Neuropsychologist listed, might it be under something different!
Thanks for all the info!! I wish I found this board a long time ago!!
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