We had our last appt with the child psychiatrist. He states ds is ADHD with some ODD. Possibility of bi polar, but nothing definite. We are changing med to strattera as focalin has been causing some OCD. He also wants us to start giving him fish oil 3000 mg and a b complex supplement. Also to start using love and logic parenting and a reward/point/marble type system ( ogram is smart) I knew I needed to do some of the parenting stuff, but it was good for my husband to hear it. He does not always listen to me, so I had not mentioned it.
Just wanted to give you all an update. I have learned so much from this board. It is truely a great source of info.
If there is a chance it's bipolar (and ADHD/ODD is often code words for bipolar) keep an eye out. Straterra will seem to help at first, then, about two-four months into it, after the blood level increase, you'll see moodswings, increased raging, and worsening behaviors. If you see any of these things, consider that it is probably bipolar. No parenting schemes will work if it is--only meds will. Keep a close eye on your child and hope for the best. Straterra is an antidepressant which has the side effect of moodswings in some kids. If they become extreme with your child, assume it's the wrong dx./wrong medication. In bp kids, Straterra usually starts out working well and fast because it puts the child into a nice, hypomanic state almost at once and the child seems better. Don't worry, but watch your child carfully. Straterra is only for ADHD so you should know in about four months, maybe sooner. Good luck. OlderMom38790.9318287037There is a small chance it could be bi polar, but we and the pdoc do not think he is. There are a lot of overlapping symptoms between adhd and bi polar. He does not have the intense rages or the hypersexuality. I would rather have the doc err on the side of caution. BP is a huge diagnosis, and I would not want it made in error. I will definitely watch him closely. thanks.My son was dx bipolar and has never had the huge rages. He rages--I guess. I always thought they were more of just tantrums. Very short-lived (10-30 min). Most of the time----only 10-15 min long. But---they are violent and he is destructive. He isn't really hypersexual either. At least in the way I've heard others say their kids are. The most he would do is whip "it" out and chase the girls around the house----it would start happening when he would be getting hypomanic. He has never played with himself or anything. He has ONCE---tried touching me while snuggling in bed. I stopped that right away. He hasn't done it again. I kind of see things getting worse in that area--the older he is. He is now 6yo. Raging and hypersexual are not criteria for dx.
My son has the mood cycles. Very definite cycles. His whole life is based on what mood he wakes up with.
My son is kind of ADHD. They see it severely at school---but at home---nope. I see none. I think he is all anxiety and sensory at school. The school is very ignorant and knows nothing.
Meg I like the bottom part. It's true my kids know if I say there middle name they are in trouble.I have read many studies about Omegas (we are on them as well) and they are great mood stabilizers -- we have a dx of ADHD and are very comfortable that there is no bi polar issues. We have found them to be very helpful! Good luck!
My husband doesn't even listen to the doctors They told us yesterday that my son and I have a learning disablity and my other two can have it. My husband says there's nothing wrong with you or our son the doctors are Quaks.
but we will see.
My ds has a temper but is not destructive. He is not violent either, unless he is fighting with his sister. He has gotten in trouble at school once or twice for fighting, but nothing extreme. He is severely adhd wherever he is. Impulsive, attention getting, and very hyper. With the family history we will continue to watch him closely.