9 yr old w/behavior issues

[stacyl661]

I'm on the web doing research for ADHD or something that can help me decide if my son needs help from a professional.  He just turned 9 - he is a great student at times hard on himself if he doesn't do well - will punch himself in the face or pull out his hair if I tell him he has the wrong answer while doing homework.  He fights with his 5 yr old brother all the time and will just hit him for no reason.  

Yesterday he walked to meet me at the school yard (my kids are in 2 dif schools).  He walked with another boy & girl.  I saw him push the little girl on the ground. I called him over to address the situation & instead of coming ran around like I didn't exist and hiding behind a tree.  When I finally got there I said go apologize to her now...he walked to her said sorry & her answer was he's mean and does it all the time.  In that moment I felt heartbroken of how such a handsome young man can possibly be looked at as a bully.  He then asked to go to the other side of the bldg with his friend - I said no because of what just happend.  He proceeds to scream that I'm an iddiott for all the other parents to hear.  I was very embarrassed and told him he was punished.

We finally made it home - I put him in his room.  He just turned 9 so I took away his new Guinea pig.  Told him to stay in his & do homework there and he can come out for dinner.  When my husband got home he punished him for a month - no baseball, soccer, tv or DS.  I think a month is harsh.

Last week he was mad at me on Friday & I did go to smack him and before I could do so he slapped me across the face.  He knew last week I was upset with him yet is continuing to misbehave.

Do I call his peditrician to see what help she can give or should he speak to someone outside the house.  I feel he has anger issues.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You needn't continue your internet search to determine if he needs professional intervention. He does. Nothing in your description indicates that ADHD is the issue, though. He is showing signs of emotional disturbance and such disturbance will not be remedied by 'watchful waiting', natural/herbal remedies, etc. He should be evaluated by a pediatric mental health professional asap.

[stacyl661]

Thanks, I'll look into it. Natural sounds great cause I woundn't want him on meds from a dr.  I don't think it's that severe.

[tina8609]

counceling and therapy may help but most likely he wont talk so it will be a waste of time. I know there are all natural supplements that can be taken that may help him. He may being going through all the hormone changes too, kinda sounds like it.  I have a few friends that have started using omnitrition products also, one lady with a son whom has A.D.D started using one of the supplements and says it has helped her kid 100% .  My younger brother has A.D.H.D and depression, he was on all kinds of different meds as a teenager and all they did was either make his sonk out or eat all the time, controlled his anger a bit, but now years later ( he's 23 ) he's angrier and more depressed then ever.  Physiologist can properly medicate, but in young people the chances of depression and other negitive side effects are higher. Id honestly look into some natural products. Couldnt hurt to try? Good luck