Sometimes I think he has lost his mind... | ADHD Information

Well, you say the meds work. Do you have psychiatric problems or substance abuse in the family? Has he been evaluated recently? Ever seen a NeuroPsych or Child Psychiatrist (with the MD)? Maybe you need to go down that road. Have you ever discussed the possibiity of early onset bipolar or autistic spectrum disorder with anyone? Obviously more is going on than just ADHD, but if the meds help, why is he off of them?he normally takes them everyday,  but some days, like today.  he gets up too late to take them, or we forget.  Its especially harder during the summer time.  He had to see a behaviourist to get diagnosed, but is that different from a child pshchiatrist?   I was wondering if maybe my husband and I went to a family counselor to see how to handle this.  My son is extremely smart, he can out think us no matter which way we turn.  The only psychiatric problems in the family are depression in one person.  No substance abuse.  Is a family counselor not a good idea?  or the wrong road?I would re-evaluate him first, and make sure it's a Child Psychiatrist (with the MD). If he feels therapy is the ticket, he'll recommend somebody. IMO too many people do it the other way around and see a therapist first. They aren't good diagnosticians and are taught behavioral mod, so that's what they use--the usual pattern is that the child doesn't improve because the real reason for the behavior isn't being addressed. Kids do better in therapy (adults too) when they are stable on medication, especially when their behavior is very severe. Maybe he needs smething long acting, maybe he needs more than an ADHD medication. I would see the Child Psychiatrist first, then see the therapist when he is more stable, if you still think he needs it. Sounds like this is a kid who really does need some sort of medication all the time.

Sounds like my nephew, but he is 5. I can't give alot of advice on the therapy because he has yet to start that.(In the process)  Has your son's doctor recommended any therapy? I know the fear of someone calling protective services because of the ear piercing shrills and screams during his fits concerns me too. My nephew is so smart, as well, it's almost scary. And lies so much that I think he believes himself. Personally, I keep a journal of all his actions, fits, threats,  comments and achievements  because he is really capable of saying just about anything. I wish you the best of luck~

I know that sounds terrible, but we are at our wits end.  No amount of punishment, rewards, reminders, nagging, anything works.  Off the medicine, concerta, its unreal. On the medicine its still unbelieveable.   He is not mean or angry or spiteful, he does have his moments, everyone does, but he gets over it in an instant.   He can go screaming, squealing, wild, its terrible.  I'm afraid someone will call Social Services just because of how out of control he is.  He is 9 and has been diagnosed as ADHD for 3 years.........   I know how you feel. For the first time in months, I didnt give my son his meds yesterday. It was too late and I figured he wouldnt fall asleep later. The funny thing is I really didnt think they were working that well anymore and they needed to be raised. I can tell you that WOW, what a difference. I still am making sure they are raised when school starts but he was such an emotional basket case. Crying at the drop of a hat, very angry, just plain bonkers. Today he was whiney but it was very hot and we went to a street fair, plus I only let him go on 3 rides at the carnival section of it...God forbid! Needless to say I will be giving him his meds everyday, even if its not till 3pm, hes taking them! i have heard there are parenting classes for parents of difficult kids.  I have not been able to afford them for now but if my girl definetly is in a research study it will be for free.  Good luck.  I would use the  behavior person you have it is their job to help.Have you talked to your ped about it?  Maybe it's time to reevaluate the meds?  I also think counseling is a good idea.  We are currently doing that.  We have had only a couple of sessions so far.  It's nice for dh and I to talk to someone about our parenting difficulties and get some advice for specific situations.  And I agree with the others, also, that getting a complete evaluation would be a good thing to do, if it hasn't been done in the last 3 years since his ADHD diagnosis.  Kids go through a lot of changes between the ages of 6 and 9.  Good luck and keep us posted!

  I would keep pushing forward with trying a new med and/or getting a second opinion, until you see somekind of improvement. If his behavior is still over the top, this med might not be a good fit for him. There are so many different meds available, maybe a different one would help ?

 

    Having a hyper kid is draining even if they're happily hyper. Totally understand your feelings regarding that issue.

 

  Hang in there !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OH THANK HEAVENS!!!!!  It is good to see another mom feeling like I do (not that I want that...but you know what I mean  ).  I am so frustrated with my 11 yr old dd that I don't know what to do...like you said, the rewards and punishments mean nothing!  She gets grounded and sits in her room with a book and escapes into her own mind!  It is so frustrating!  She has yet to learn boundaries and she consistently does things that make myself and her father irate!  It is always a struggle and I don't ahve the answers, but just to let you know, I can relate!Maybe you should use more than one medication. Taking Stratera with
Ritalin helped me a little.Get the book "The explosive child" there are ways to avoid tantrums and episodes.

Hello,  I do agree the book The Explosive Child is great, my son is like this as well.  He is 8 years old.  He has ADHD combined type with ODD.  We are still watching him for other comorbids (bipolar, depression, tourrett's)  The Doctor added Tenex to his Concerta to help with his explosive behaviors (and tics)  It helps slow down the fight or flight response.

It's not the cure but it has helped.  I am going to a seminar in a couple weeks about the difficult child and oppositional behavior I'll let ya know if I learn anything  helpful.  I read lots of books and have tried every behavioral therapy stratagy I can find.  Seems like some things work for a while then not at all.

I do share your frustration.  I really think our family should start some therapy too-always a good idea.  We even had a parent training course which helped for about 6 months.

 

Good luck

ang

I appreciate everyones help.  It makes me feel better just to know there are other parents out there.  One thing that I've noticed in most of the replies are that you are assuming his screaming and hollaring and squealing are tantrums and outbursts.   Well they are outbursts but not of the angry kind,  he is very happy, almost wildly uncontrollable happy and loud.  He gets out of the bed in the morning, and he is just hollaring like tarzan the second he opens his eyes.  The neighbors say he wakes them up in the mornings cause he goes out on the deck and HOLLARS.........   is this ADHD?  or something else? a different aspect of ADHD? Everyday seems to be an endurance test, just to see if we can make it to the end of the day.   I feel terrible that I feel great relief when he is asleep or in school.  I feel like in this endurance test, I'm failing miserably.  Isnt 'that terrible?  Most people would be thrilled to have a happy child.   But there is happy, and there is happy with hyperactivity............   It can wear you out !!!   Thanks for listening