Suggestions for Add and Odd

[cher46779]

My son is 16 and was recently diagnosed (last year) with ADD. I tried to get him diagnosed in 2007 but the psychologist thought he had symptons of ODD but did not diagnose him. Finally after terrible problems at school, (failing, total disrespect for any authority, and severe anger management tantrums at home) I got him on vyvanse. It immediately helped with his grades, but now after a year and on 50mg, behaviors are starting more frequent again. He also has teachers this semester that have no patience for him. My next psychiastrist appt isn't until next month. I have been searching the web for different meds to mix with the vyvansse or to change him to a nonstimulant. He says he has increased social anxiety. (he is very social but says he recently feels people don't want to hang out with him / and he gets very shy when around large groups) Any suggestions?

[allmymarbles]

Have  you tried behavioral therapy? My daughter practices it with a very high success rate. In fact the only failures she has had has been due to parent's lack of cooperation.

[Sandman2]

the blocked site is *********.com.  its worth looking at.

[Sandman2]

  Yes, you really need to do (well, actually he needs to also do it) some research on ADD to understand what it does and how it affects you.  I'll give you some great sites further down.
  It is very normal for a med to stop being affective after awhile.  Especially for a growing teenager.  Your doctor should have told you this.  Get back to your psychiatrist  and let him know what is going on.  It is very normal to experiment or try different meds till you find the one that works the best as everybody is different.  I can give you a site that will give you info on all the possible meds - from natural, to non-stimulants, to other forms of stimulants.  Personal opinion (based on my research) is that you want to try the stimulants for awhile longer.  But be proactive with your psyc.  I also hope that your psyc is giving some kind of behavioral therapy for your son.  The pill is only part of what can help.  All studies have shown that behavioral therapy is extremely important.  The increased social anxiety (at his age) is normal - but this is also a sign that neither he nor you have been getting the information you need to deal with his condition.
     I would also like to make two more suggestions.  There are two very good sites that deal with adult ADD.  I think you really need to do a bit more research on the whole issue.  The first site was actually a recent PBS special.  Its all done in short video clips (which drives me crazy).  Its -        http://**********.com/#/welcome/
  The second site is by someone with ADD and it reflects his condition to some extent.  It has a ton of information.  Don't try and take it all in in one sitting.  But I think that you will find it very helpful.  Is - http://jeffsaddmind.com/for-first-time-visitors
    I hope this helps.  Please post if you have any more questions.