Newly diagnosed | ADHD Information

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My 9 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD - impulsive type. I just spoke with my pediatrician who spoke with the  psychologist that eveluated him.His ADHD is mild - moderate. He has trouble socially, gets into fights, can't wait his turn, can't wait for anything. We decided to use a comination of meds and behavior mod. Who is the best person to advise on the meds? Do I use my regular pediatrician or a psychiatrist? My son has some activities at night (baseball)  until about 7:30 and this summer he is going to sleep away camp and will need behavior control in the evening. I honestly wish we didn't agree for him to go for 7 weeks. He is very enthusiastic and is very much looking forward to it. Does anyone had an ADHD boy that has been to sleepaway? How did he manage? My Pediatrician mentioned Straterra but it spooked me. Otherwise, maybe ritalin la or concerta. He said Stratera might be good because it works for 24 hrs. Can we figure out the right dose for him in 6 weeks? HELP!

I would definately try to get your son an appointment with a psychiatrist who is experienced with dealing with ADD, as apposed to a regular pedatrician.  You may even be able to get a "self referral" from your insurance company's web site.  If so, you should also be able to find what that doctors specialties are.

I don't have a son.  I'm the one with ADD.  I'm 31 now.  I just found out that I had ADD last year.  In retrospect, I realize that my father has the very same characteristics as I do.  So do some siblings.

With regard with your sons impulsivity.  Make sure you follow through with his treatment.  The impulsivity part of some types of ADD can really get a young man into trouble as he's growing up.  As teenagers, we already tend to make poor decisions.  Couple this with impulsive tendencies, and the chances are just that much greater.  I speak from experience.  I was very impulsive...and still can be on occassion.

I started on Strattera myself two weeks ago.  It has not done a thing for me.  If it weren't for negative side effects, I would say it had no effect at all.  Some of the side effects are outright disturbing.  The biggest of my complaints and many other adult males is that it causes a lot of urinary problems.  Urgency to go, but then not quite able to.  Sometimes you're able to and when you think you're done, there's more there.  I've actually had a situation where I wet myself at work because I thought I was done...but wasn't.  You may want to be aware of that as a mom.

It may be possible to get him on the right dosage in 6 weeks.  I'm no doctor, but I've read quite a few postings.  Some people find the right med & dosage fairly quickly.  Others litterally takes them months.  I think 6 weeks can be cutting it close.  However, you never no.

Good Luck

-JA