I've been lurking about and thought it best to step forward and say hello.
I have an 8yo son that was diagnosed ADHD and started Dexedrine 1 year ago (he was "different" from age 21/2). When behavior modification, parent training etc., didn't work, pychologist said ODD. Then months ago came little sleep, psychosis (bugs crawling on him at night) and the aggression escalated - Ryan had gone without much sleep for a couple of months, was starting to hit me (almost accidently at first) then it got more overt, tried to push me down the stairs and then he kicked my legs from behind one day when I wasn't really engaged with him at all.
He was referred to a ped psych and she put him on Risperdal same day, reduced the Dexedrine to lowest dose and within a few days he was sleeping. A month later we started Depakote and have increased it twice. We are now seeing life settle down some. She didn't reveal right away the diagnosis but was using "6 target symptoms' to gain control. Before the mood stabilizer she said EOBP and suggested I read The Bipolar Child. When I did I saw Ryan in a whole new way.
I have 4 boys and our family life was in shambles. The kids are in therapy now and although Ryan is impulsive and still gets angry he doesn't rage and he calms down more quickly if you don't really engage with him.
I'm grateful for this quieted down time for Ryan and all the family to catch our breath a bit. I know there's probably tough times ahead. I've just found a local support group that meets monthly but wanted an online group as well. This looks like a great group of caring people. Thanks for letting me share my story.
Lisa
mom to 4boys
I have an 8yo son that was diagnosed ADHD and started Dexedrine 1 year ago (he was "different" from age 21/2). When behavior modification, parent training etc., didn't work, pychologist said ODD. Then months ago came little sleep, psychosis (bugs crawling on him at night) and the aggression escalated - Ryan had gone without much sleep for a couple of months, was starting to hit me (almost accidently at first) then it got more overt, tried to push me down the stairs and then he kicked my legs from behind one day when I wasn't really engaged with him at all.
He was referred to a ped psych and she put him on Risperdal same day, reduced the Dexedrine to lowest dose and within a few days he was sleeping. A month later we started Depakote and have increased it twice. We are now seeing life settle down some. She didn't reveal right away the diagnosis but was using "6 target symptoms' to gain control. Before the mood stabilizer she said EOBP and suggested I read The Bipolar Child. When I did I saw Ryan in a whole new way.
I have 4 boys and our family life was in shambles. The kids are in therapy now and although Ryan is impulsive and still gets angry he doesn't rage and he calms down more quickly if you don't really engage with him.
I'm grateful for this quieted down time for Ryan and all the family to catch our breath a bit. I know there's probably tough times ahead. I've just found a local support group that meets monthly but wanted an online group as well. This looks like a great group of caring people. Thanks for letting me share my story.
Lisa
mom to 4boys


