The frustration of dealing with ADHD issues can cause other things like anxiety and depression to show up. Anxiety may be expressed as fear or as anger.
My youngest was having full rages and massive defiance last year before we got the diagnosis and started treatment (in fact these scarry symptoms are what prompted us to seek help). With treatment (meds, behavior plan, extra coaching and proper accomodations in school), her stress level is now much less. The depression and anxiety are gone and the defiance is managable (she has learned to more properly express anger).
You might look at the marble system by ogram (top thread) for a positive reinforcement behavior plan to help with the overall treatment stratagy. Your son may also need extra coaching on how to properly express his anger. When you get to an effective med and dosing schedule, all of this gets easier, as they are better able to self reflect and the stress of dealing with ADHD eases somewhat.
Hi,
Sorry to everyone that is reading this that this post is a downer. My son 6 just diagnosed with ADHD and generalized anxiety. He started taking Concerta 18mg yesterday...I was so happy to be able to even hope that things would get better.
Jacob has never been as oppositional as he has been this last week. Everything I say or do just brings out the negative in him. He is usually just so impulsive and yes easily frustrated, but has always been able to bounce right back. I feel that I have lost my little boy.....he is so frustrated,negative, argumentive, and this started before we started taking the meds. He used to be so loving and caring towards us (mom and dad) now it is just negative.
Fortunately, his school (private) has been very understanding, but with this new attitude how long will they be??? They told me today that he was just wild last week, wrestling. ect. The hardest for him is keeping his hands to himself, not being destructive, (0r is that to come?) just touching everyone. Occassionally he hits if he gets teased badly. Do these symptoms get worse???
This is truly a roller coaster, I just feel so bad for him....and yes myself as well. I feel like such an outsider, parents at his school don't understand and last month I actually had a mother confront me about Jacob at the school.....
Just babbling I guess now....besides my wonderful child that I know is in there somewhere....does it ever get better.....how do you all cope???? Feeling so lost as a parent.
Oh wow, I don't really know what to say but I wanted to tell you that I certainly do identify with aspects of your post.
Your love for your son shines right through the heartache and frustration.
I have felt lost as a parent too. When that happens - I wait for my DS to fall asleep then I sit on his bed and watch him, stroke his brow, kiss him gently. And all the while he just breathes softly.
That vision gives me strength for just one more day ..............
Strength to you imcbmcc!