I can only discuss my ADHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD son's success due to medication.
I believe that once you find the right medication AND right dosage, you can be successful. It is a trial and error route.
It took us nearly 6 months to level off. We see a psychopharmacologist who specializes in these types of medications. Under his supervision, he found the right meds. for my son.
I also wonder if you should really begin with a reevaluation. He might be depressed or have a co-existing condition. This way you will have a correct diagnosis. Then you can begin the medication route again.
I hope this is of some help!
Beth
It is very helpful. I am frustrated, but I want to do right by him. I want to do everything that I can to help him. At times I want to give up.....but I refuse to give up. I will keep trying.Hi RAGINCAJUN89,
Since you are in a large metropolitan area, you might consider looking at a pediatric development team at a children's hospital or the university. These places offer so many services from evaluation, treatment, counseling and parenting classes for difficult kids. Here is the mental health org for houston:
http://mhahouston.org/mha_houston.cfm?a=cms,c,31%20,10
They have a helpful guide:
http://www.mhahouston.org/cmsFiles/Files/Resource%20Guide%20 for%20Parents.pdf
Also look at the clinical trials in the area. These site are usually on the cutting edge of the disorder (you do not have to be part of the trial, just look into the center if you wish). If you wnat to go into a trial, the first one l listed is where I would start (the phase III-safety and efficacy studies are already done on this med and they are trying it for another indication).
There are 2 houston sites using shire's new guanfacine for ADHD and ODD:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00367835?order=5
Other tirals that have centers in Houston:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/action/ChangeQuery
vickie39182.6850462963I am just about at my wits end with my 13 yo grandson, whom I am raising as a single parent. He does not listen, does not do anything that he is told to do, breaks every rule in the house. It seems to get worse every day. Yesterday I lost it and went into a rage, in fact I was ready to kick him out of the house. But, I cannot kick him out, there is no where for him to go.
I have decided to try counseling again. I think both of us can use it, as a matter of fact the 3 of us can use it including his 12 yo sister who is caught up in all of this disfunctional mess. I am looking for an experienced therapist or psychologist in the greater Houston area. I would really like someone that has alot of experience in dealing with children afflicted with ADHD/ODD. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Joey (Grandpa in distress)
Hi ragincajun89,
I am so sorry you are going through this. It is hard enough that you are raising your grandchildren by yourself.
I am wondering if your grandson is on medication for his adhd/od?
My only advice is to check into medications if he is not on anything at the moment.
If he is medicated, then he obviously needs to have his medication adjusted. I have read that when the children begin puberty, the current meds sometimes stop being effective and need adjusting.
I would definetly look into counseling as a family, including your granddaughter. I belive that is a great idea. You have a lot on your plate and both these children really need you.
Does your grand sone have any anger issues? Any changes with friends, school? Just wondering if something in his life has changed.
Best wishes and post any updates!
Beth
He has tried every medication imaginable, nothing seemed to be helping. Perhaps I need to try the medication route again. My feelings on medications are if they are not helping then they are not worth the risk of the side effects. But, being at my wits end I will try anything. The truth be told, I do not know if I am helping him or hurting him. I have my own issues, recovery from alcohol and drugs, I probably would be diagosed ADHD/ODD myself if I were younger. It is a very difficult time for all of us.