ADHD Help

[KatWrangler]

My son is worse.   We went to the Psychiatrist last week and he agreed we could try medication.  Which we started this morning.

I feel so lost with him and very worried.   Sigh...

Friday his teacher called me at home.  She has also noticed him getting worse at school.  Both behavior and academically.  She is sending his report card home on Monday and wants to talk to us about it after we review it. 

Mom's of ADHD kid's any advice?

[KatWrangler]

Another thing is, we aren't getting much support from the Psychiatrist.    He acts like my son is borderline.  Which in my gut feel he is not and is getting worse. 

[kittynurse]

I totally understand where you are right now mama.  My DS (who interestingly has the same name except he has 2 O's and is a few months younger) has a diagnosis of ADHD, SPD and anxiety.  We have been really struggling this year.  A bit with behaviour and a LOT with academics.

Does your DS have an official diagnosis and an IEP?  Has the Dr. actually said to you that he suspects Borderline?  What are his reasons?  I personally feel that mama's intuition goes a long way as far as knowing what is going on with our kids.  Did the doctor say why he is trying ADHD meds if he feels that the diagnosis is Borderline?

Is your guy in OT at all?  We really found that helpful for our son.  We've also seen a dietician who gave him some supplements that have really helped.

I don't have a lot of time at the moment but wanted to let you know you've been heard.  Feel free to ask any questions you want - we've been on this road for almost his whole life and we've tried a lot of stuff.  Maybe something we've done can help you.

Martha

[Emmeline II]

If you feel that the Psychiatrist is not giving you what you need, find a new one. It is soooooooooo fustrating dealing with someone who isn't hearing you.

ADHD meds can take 2-3 days to "kick-in". Medication is supposed to be used in conjunction with therapy so I'd either ask for a referral to a CBT or find one on your own.

[KatWrangler]

More difficult for us since we are on Medicaid.   It is extremely difficult to find someone in the Psych field because they are paid very little for seeing Medicaid patients.  I have tried both of our Children's hospitals and as of last Fall wouldn't/couldn't accept us.  I am going to call them again tomorrow.

Side note, my husband had a job interview Friday.  If he gets it, we will have different insurance.  One step at a time though.
 

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

If you feel that the Psychiatrist is not giving you what you need, find a new one. It is soooooooooo fustrating dealing with someone who isn't hearing you.

ADHD meds can take 2-3 days to "kick-in". Medication is supposed to be used in conjunction with therapy so I'd either ask for a referral to a CBT or find one on your own.

[KatWrangler]

Martha,  I had a reply and lost the darn thing.  GRRRR

I will have to rethink of what I said.  LOL

[Runningmommy]

My 10yo son is ADHD and is starting back with his therapist for anxiety, possible depression, and anger issues (which could just be a symptom of the other two).  Just wanted to add my empathy and two cents regarding meds.  They start at low dose to find what works best, upping the doseage if needed.  Also, might have to try several different meds to find the right one.  Then their bodies change through the years and you might find that the meds have to be adjusted or changed again.  My son's life turned around for the better both socially and academically in a dramatic way when he started meds in first grade. 

[aajones]

Have you think of sending your child into adhd schools? Medication is very helpful with adhd but its not enough. You need a type of psychotherapy called coaching. To be specific, this is done by psychologists or teachers who train people with adhd in how to improve their concentration.