How safe is Abilify for my 12 year old son?

[tebcocoa]

I am so scared that I have done something wrong with my child.  My wife and I feel like failures.  He is obnoxious and somewhat violent.  I got the belt when I was younger but I haven't been able to do that with him.  He doesn't consider anyone's feelings.  He cares for no one except himself.  He'll ask for something today and continue to do so until he gets it and after a couple of days, he wants something different.  I love him to death and we have been trying so many different meds lately.  I am scared of the side effects of this new medicine.  Unfortunately, Bi Polar runs on my side of the family.  I have a mild case I believe and have always been treated as depressed and ADD but for him, it is much more severe.  I need some guidance on who to see...?????????? and whether I should allow him to take these meds.  What about old faithful...Lithium?  Please comment

[Dabeinest]

Hi!
I'm 29 years old and taking abilify 10mg + lithium.
Took us 10 years with my psychiatrist to find this "cocktail". Haven't fallen into depression for 4 years now, but I am concerned about the side effects of Abilify on the long term, let's says 20-30 years. Does anyone care to share information on this?

[ILADVOCATE]

   Temporarily and permanent movement disorders are a concern of all antipsychotics (except for Clozaril) but they are continuing to research a new generation of antipsychotics that wont have these side effects. Cognitive blunting can be a side effect of many medications including antipsychotics but each person responds differently to each medication.

[ILADVOCATE]

   Temporarily and permanent movement disorders are a concern of all antipsychotics (except for Clozaril) but they are continuing to research a new generation of antipsychotics that wont have these side effects. Cognitive blunting can be a side effect of many medications including antipsychotics but each person responds differently to each medication.

[mike34578]

Keep away from Abilify. Our daughter was on it from age 12 - 17. Apart from involuntary muscular jerks which was resolved by reducing the intake the main problem is that it inhibits the cognitive (memory) faculty and also made her emotionally detached.  

[LeftCoastChick]

I have to agree with the first poster, be firm, no means no. My brother was exactly the same way, he had severe ADHD and attachment disorder. He caused absolute chaos in the home, because of that I was pretty much emotionally neglected, because they were always focused on him and behavior therapy. Nip it in the bud now, when he hits full puberty he may get full on rages you can't control. Meds definitely help, but behaviour therapy is a must, especially when there is a high genetic risk he make have BP too.

[ILADVOCATE]

The important thing to remember is that his behavior however destructive it is, is part of his disability. I do agree the best way to help him cope with it is cognitive behavioral therapy but you can't blame him or get angry. You have to work with him. And speak to his therapist about it. NAMI friend and family support groups are good for education. As for the medication it depends on whether he needs it or not and you'd have to speak to the psychiatrist more about that. If you want to know more about Abilify look up the medication website. There haven't been as many studies in the use of antipsychotics in children but some do need them. But regardless even on medication it won't put an immediate end to all of his behavioral issues so there have to be other solutions in addition to medication such as I mentioned. I myself have made a full recovery from schizoaffective (read through my posts) but I wasn't diagnosed until age 18 and people thought I was doing something wrong or "acting out" as a child and their reaction to it that way has really impacted on my life so its best to understand what's going on with him to help with his recovery.

[therese83]

This i realise is not an answer to your question, but i do have a son who was sever ADHD and has grown up without meds to be a high achiever.

HAve you tried behaviour modification with an expert.  This worked greatly for my son.

Also if he askes for something and you say "no" you cant change your mind a few days later after him begging.  You are training him to be manipulative.  I rarely say 'no ' to my boy but when i do I really mean it.  It is OK to say "I need to think about it", then give him a firm answer.  Never ever give in to begging and pleading.  

He is getting to an age where he will want pocket money.  Attach it to chores, put up a chart and if the chores are not done, dont give him the money.  Follow through on every consequence.  Be firm.  Of course you should never lay a hand on him, that goes without saying.

Try not to make his problem the main focus of your family.  He knows you are talking about him, when he goes to bed etc.  children listen.  Do not discuss it when he is in the house.  It is very unfair to a kid to make his problem your main focus.  Play it down at all times and aim to get on with your own life and take the focus off him somewhat.

Try to keep cool and be matter of fact with him at all times.  Never reward him by giving negative energy when he is being 'bad' notice when he is settled and enjoy the good..
Hope this helps, sorry do not know about medication in kids?