Impulsive and Agressive Behavior | ADHD Information

My son, Ryan (who just turned 6) has been dx'd with ADHD by a Ped Nuero. We are trying stimulant meds.  I have tried beh mod, and it helps, but it is not enough. Ryan has a twin sister who had no problems with ADHD.  Recently I had a baby girl and Ryan has been upset that the baby wasn't a boy.  Ryan has tried many times to hurt the beby.  He tells me that he thinks I will have another baby and this time it will be a boy.  I am trying to not be angry.  I am trying to understand his behavior and help him get through this.  I need advise about dealing with the aggressive behavior without punishing him all the time.  Right now I am making him stay in the room that I'm in at all times, but this is really stressful for me. I don't know what to do or who to talk to.  Any advise?  ADHD impulsivity does not include hurting a baby. That, imo, is over and beyond ADHD. Even jealous siblings don't really try to hurt their baby sisters or brothers, unless there are other problems. Stims can make kids more aggressive sometimes, especially if a mood disorder is going on along with the ADHD. ADHD alone doesn't cause aggressive behavior. My advice would be to see a Child Psychiatrist (with the MD) to have him re-evaluated, especially if he is CONSTANTLY trying to hurt the baby. If mood disorders or substance abuse are in the family tree on either side, he could well have other things going on. Meanwhile, just don't leave the baby alone with him. A ped neuro. wouldn't know anything about psychiatric disorders. Good luck! MomWI38889.6513773148

have you tried talking to ryan? maybe he is jealous and feels that he only has time with you if he is naughty.  My son has ADHD and used to have extremely violent tendencies.  He has thrown things at my 2 older children to get attention and they both ended up having stitches. 

I also found that Strattera hieghtened my sons violence and aggression so i stopped him taking it.

All i can suggest, being in a similar situation is that you communicate with Ryan, learn to talk and spend time together as much as possible so that he doesn't have to be naughty to gain your attention, and praise him if he is being good...this is something we all need to do more

good luck

samwitchy38891.217974537

It may be other problems, but I would also think it might be that he needs help adjusting to the baby. I would consider some sort of psychotherapy. He should be getting some kind of therapy anyway in conjunction with the meds - meds alone are not advisable. I'm a medical biller for a mental health clinic in Brooklyn that specializes in children. The children come once a week for therapy with a social worker, see the Dr. once a month for medication, and the parents are seen as needed. Many children seen in the clinic are 'acting out' due to some life change at their home, so there is hope yet

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the advise.  I think I am going to seek out a child psych for him.  His Grandfather and Aunt on his dad's side were both addicts.  I hadn't made that connection before.  Just to clarify I try very hard to never leave Ryan alone with the baby. It''s to the point where if I go to the bathroom I leave the door open and make him stand facing the wall so I can watch him.  I hate making him feel like a prisioner in his own home.  The most recent incident was when the baby was asleep, in her crib.  He started shaking her bed, waking her with quite a scare. What bothers me the most is that he seems to believe that I can just replace her if she gets hurt.  I understand his being jealous of the baby taking my time, but I'm really trying to work on making sure he still feels like I'm paying attention to him.  I'm going to try the marble system I read about on this message board.  I'm hoping it will work. Again, thanks for replying.