Does this sound like ADHD??? | ADHD Information

Hi, I also think you need a specialist to manage the meds, like a child psychiatrist. We use a developmental pediatrician for dd. Also, if you think there is something else going on besides ADHD, a child psych is the way to go. Good Luck!I would not take that answer as is - diagnosing a child is more than just a
questionaire and ten minutes. Your child is more important than that!   
wlnjen200039187.3756365741

No this is not how the disorder should be diagnosed, but it often is if you go to a ped...did you go to a pediatrician, or a child psychiatrist?

If you feel uncomfortable with the diagnosis, get a referrall to a child psych, and have more thorough testing done.

Yes, the talkativeness can sometimes be a reaction....perhaps he is so enthralled with his new clear brain, and just not feeling so active, may make him talkative....may be this will lessen as he becomes accustomed to the new feeling of control and focus.

Yes the meltdown after the med has left the system is common as well.  No one really can say why...but it could be that once the feeling of control the med offers leaves, the child is overwhelmed with feeling out of control....you may need to try a different med that could perhaps leave the system more gradually, or there are ways to augment the long acting med to ease in rebound problems.  The rebound can ease as well after the child becomes more used to the med.

It is good that you are going to give the med a month, as some problems will ease once the body gets used to the meds.

Welcome luvmy4boys,

Chasesmom79 gave a good explanation of everything.

I just wanted to say that while you are starting treatment, you might want to see if you can find a psychiatrist (not psychologist-they can't write prescriptions) to transition to. It takes time to find one but they can be very helpful. They are more experienced at med managment than a pediatrician and can be more help with the things that can come with ADHD (oppositional, depression, anxiety, etc.). You and your son will be dealing with this disorder through many changes as he grows.

Here is also a site for ADHD information that might be helpful:

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about

I had a doctors appointment this week for my six year old son to discuss his behavior.  My son has always been a hyper and scattered child, but not too hard to deal with.  But, more and more I've seen him not be able to control his anger.  One of his brothers would do something to him (accidentally or on purpose), and he would go balistic hitting them with anything that he could grab or go on a screaming fit.  One day I told him that it was time to come in, he lost it.  He grabbed a plastic golf club and started hitting himself in his privates while screaming.  This was when I knew I had to get to a doctor.

This is what I told the doctor.  He had me fill out a form which gave him information on my sons behavior.  Within 10 minutes, he told me my son has ADHD and gave me a prescription of Daytrana.  I was left with a feeling of "that's it"?!? 

My first question is, is that really how fast this is diagnosed?  Shouldn't there be something else?

Okay, I did give my son the Daytrana patch the next day.  He didn't have too many fits, which was good.  But he did seem to want to talk about EVERY aspect of Star Wars to the finest detail. (very cute)  It was almost like his mind was very focused and clear for the first time.  He had a little stomach upset, but not much and was able to eat, which was good.  He scratched a little at the patch, but it didn't cause it to come off.  I took the patch off when we were supposed to, and a couple hours later, he had a total meltdown.  Worse than before we started the medicine. 

My second question, is this a normal reaction?  What can we do to avoid the meltdowns?

We are going to give the patches a month to see how he does.  I know that one day doesn't give us much to go on.

Thank you in advance for all your help and advice!

Michelle

hmmm

 not sure

look at from the point of view that meds are an aid not the cure

 

also im trained to deal with 12 kids  at a time having melt downs  is a zoo.

any way   im saying im trained to be in  thier heads so much that i see the outburst coming and to head it with redirecting prompts  consequinces get thier attention but rewarding them for thinking of new behavior on thier own    

ill re edeit this further

yes it does sound like adhd  but something else i cant put my finger on  

unchecked can become mal adaptive behaviors   

 

call in a serious pro   now

Thank you for your responses.  I just checked with our insurance company, and there are no child psychiatrists in our area that carry our insurance.  We definately cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for the doctor.  Where should I go from here?  I went to this doctor because he was highly recommended from another mom who has a son with ADHD.  I didn't know what to expect when I went in there, but I did expect more than what we got!

Today is the 3rd day on the Daytrana patch, and he still seems to have some trouble controlling himself (he does have 3 older brothers).  He was really frusterated today and started the hair pulling which he never did before.  Overall, he does seem to be thinking a lot more clearly and he is still the same loving little boy.  And last night I took the patch off at 6:00 p.m. and he didn't have any meltdowns at all.   He did get up through the night, but we did have a loud storm that went through.  And his eating is still pretty good.

It was recommended by the doctor that I use the patch Monday - Friday and not use it on the week-end unless we are going to do something.  Is that how most people use the medication?

This site has been so helpful to our family!  Thanks to all!

Michelle

Doesn't it stink that insurance plays such a part in our decisions.  I am having to get another doctor for my son because his psychiatrist stopped taking our insurance.  I live in a major city in Texas and there are only about 4 in the whole metroplex area on my insurance.   I was told to try calling some of the psychiatrists that are on the lists for adults.  Some of them have extensive backgrounds in all ages.  They sometimes neglect to put this on the paper work they have to do for the insurance companies because their paper work is so extensive. 

We make too much for any help from the Government, but we don't make enough to support a family of six.  We are kinda stuck in the middle like a lot of families.  As far as I know, there is no help available.

We do have good insurance, but there are not psychiatrist in our area that take our insurance.   Our insurance company don't take referrals, the doctor must be on the "list".  I'm trying to find a professional to help us, I just don't know where to look!!!!  Where should I go from here?

Thanks for your input!

Michelle
Check your list of neurologists. I have a neighbor whose neurologist manages his medications... good luck!But can he help in diagnosing ADHD or underlying problems?

Michelle,

 Try contacting a local university.  They often have programs that can help.

Just a thought....correct me if I am wrong but if your son has been diagnosed with ADHD....even after such a very limited interview c**p in my mind...is there not any sort of charity that could help you...maybe linked to a church or something? sorry not so good on American systems!!!....I feel so lucky to have the NHS sometimes...for all its faults you do at least get access to the help you need...eventually....reguardless of means and insurance...I think most of my kids would have died of cheast infections by now if that was the case for me, I find it hard enough paying the rent!!