psychiatrist vs pediatrician for meds | ADHD Information

Hello.  I am new member and have tried everything to help my 14 yr old son who denies that he has a problem.  (It's very obvious that he does).  We have tried Strattera, Focalin and Vyvanse and nothing has helped, including increasing dosage.  This has all been prescribed by his pediatrician, who says that you have to try different meds to find the right one.  This has created a lot of stress at home because my son says the meds don't help and he doesn't need them and my husband doesn't believe in the ADHD diagnosis anyway.  We have been battling this for years and my son is very smart, yet is doing very poorly in school.

It was suggested to me that we see a psychiatrist to prescribe meds, instead of relying on the pediatrician.  This will be another battle with my husband.  Any opinions?  Does a psychiatrist really make a difference and is there such a difference between the meds?  Thank you for any help.  I am feeling desperate and alone over this, since I do everything and get no support from anyone!    

 

A pschotherapist is there for therapy, long term, A psychiatrist of psychpharm like Bethann uses is there for medication. DO NOT GIVE UP. I have an 11 year old who is starting to hit puberty and sees both a psycotherapist to help him work out his issues as well as a Psychiatrist, adolescent, to give him meds. the meds have made a huge difference in our lives as a family and his at school. We just added the quafacine in with the stimulant(Concerta) and are awaiting the build up in his system top the right dosage. What a difference even the stimulant has made. My husband did not believe in the ADHD in the beginning as well. He finally came around after attending a couple of appts. with each doctor. And I am sorry but we PUSHED him into the meds he refused for a long time but finally gave in and is now glad he did so. And I mead PUSHED. With the help of his fourth grade teacher at the end of the year he reluctanly tried the meds. It is not an impossible situation. Just one that needs to be worked with and I would say that the therapist you went to was not best for your situation. Get to a Child/Adolescent psychiatrist or psychophamocologist like Bethann said. by the way she is the guru of these thing around here amongst others. I hope you will not give in and start over with the proper doc. Good luck to you from the bottom of my heart. spamula40268.6556597222

Well, here is the latest.  Yesterday my husband and I went to the psychotherapist that has been seeing my son and the therapist beleives that my son's problems include other things, and that ADHD is just part of it.  To make a long story short, he said that meds help some kids, but it does not work for all.  If my son is so resistant to it (as well as his being resistant and rebellious toward many things), it will probably not work as well.  He believes that meds should not be forced.  He also said that this therapy process with my son is a long term project (6-18 months) and still, my son's grades may NOT  improve!!  Great.  I realize that his opinion is only one of  many sides to this issue, but I guess we are going to have to sit and watch what happens.  So no meds for now and I don't know if my son will ever do this willingly.  We are back to square one with no short term light at the end of the tunnel. 

Yes, a psychiatrist is a specialist in med management and while going thorugh a trial of meds, only a specialist should be managing them until the right med and dose is found. However, ADHD are not behavior pills. While on effective meds, the patient gets to chose the behavior instead of acting on impulse because the person is focused. If your son is in denial he will make the wrong choices regardless. ADHD is not an academic problem but learning is a struggle as the grades get higher in the absence of effective treatment. Puberty kicking in compounds the problems.

I suggest that you get a second opinion from a psychiatrist to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD and then have both your husband and son sit down with the doctor and have the doctor explain the disorder, the treatment for it and how effective treatment will turn your son's life around. Everyone responds differently to ADHD meds which is why its important to educate yourself on the subject. Your not alone. Ther are so many here that can relate and we are here for you. Please keep us posted and welcome to the board

Thank you.  After arguing with my husband, he has agreed to have my son see a psych for meds.  Hope he doesn't change his mind because he still does not believe in this.  Now the next hurdle will be getting my son there willingly.  He is adamant and argumentative that he does not have ADHD.  This is what makes me so frustrated because if he does not want help, how can he get better?  Am I right, or can some people improve inspite of themselves with the right meds?  Like I said, we have already tried everything else.  

Slimm,

We see a psychopharmacologist. He is a psychiatrist but he also specializes in these medications. He was referred to us by our pediatrician, who explained at the time that he was NOT a specialist in this field of medicine. We go to our ped for physicals and when they are sick or break a bone, etc. but NOT for mental health reasons. I so respect this man for informing us of this. We would NEVER have know back then.

The psychopharm can figure out everything about all these medications. He is awesome. he knows and understands all.

Please ask your ped. for a referral so you can find a good and reputable one.

14 is a tough age. You want to get everything as perfect as you can. You are dealing with peer pressure, bullying crap maybe, puberty, girls, etc.

Also, I am not sure if your son is impulsive but there are meds to help him relax as well. We are the family taking both concerta and guanfacine. My son is successful with both these meds and they were recommended by his psychopharm.

I also wonder if a list of famous athletes, politicians, heads of corporate businesses and business owners would help your son to know that adhd is nothing to be ashamed of. And you don't have to tell any one.

I read that the majority of pro athletes are adhd. Terry Bradshaw comes to mind, along with one of our Patriots here in Boston who came forward and talked about how meds changed his life and helped make him the man he is today. there are famous inventors from years past and current successful people. Would you like a list?

Please let us know what we can help you guys with!!