multiple diagnoses

[sarah2237]

I have an eight year old son with multiple behavior problems. He is one of five children. My other children are all fine, with the exception of my oldest son, who was diagnosed with ADHD. It is completely under control with Concerta, and he does very well. I was a psychology student before becoming a mom. However, I still spend probably 20 hours a week doing medical research. If you are familiar with DSM IV reference guide, my son meets ALL of the criteria for early onset conduct disorder. However, NO ONE wants to diagnose him with it. I'm not saying it would help to diagnose him with this, but what isn't helping is that each medical professional I've taken him to has diagnosed him with something else....bi-polar disorder, ADHD, high-functioning autism, ODD, tourette's syndrome, and anxiety. Then they want to point the finger at me for any behaviours they cannot account for under the previous diagnoses. How often do you see this occur? Do you have any explanation for it? Do you think that it is important to consider that his biological father had anti-social personality disorder, and has constantly been in trouble with the law? (He doesn't have any contact with him, he's adopted.

[stirling]

I would be interested in knowing how your son acts. I also have a 13year old son adopted from birth with no family history.
He had been treated with ritalin since 6 for adhd. since January he has been out of control. Doctor switched to adderal. Doing better on school work but still has major behavior problems/
I feel he shows all calling for conduct disorder but the three doctors he has seen want to call it  Bipolar, typical teen stuff,
or mood disorder.He is now taking also Zyprexa for match lighting and etching in his arm. He has two sister one also 13 and one 10. Its hard on the family. How do you handle it.Thanks

[sarah2237]

Thank your for the suggestion. I know it's a complicated process, but I'm going to do it this week.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

On the SSI front, if he has documentec biologically-based diagnoses (e.g., Mood Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and his impairment can be adequately documented, he may well qualify. You might do well to make application; the support would be useful in pursuing help.

[sarah2237]

We have been working with three therapists since September, but nothing really seems to work. We even have a therapist that spends quite a bit of time in our home, and is known as one of the best in our county. His psychiatrist has recommended brain research on him, like a CAT scan, a major blood workup, a trip to the sleep lab, and a chromosone study. Unfortunately we cannot afford the cost of all this, because our insurance only covers 50% and we have four other children to support. Since he has so many different diagnoses, it's been complicated applying for supplemental social security. We haven't been able to do it yet.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There probably is more comfort or inclination to diagnose biologically-based emotional disorders as opposed to those that aren't really regarded as biologically-based. Now, this does not mean that children with Conduct Disorder do not have a genetic vulnerability to such; it really means that there are not obvious pharmacological approaches to treatment of Conduct Disorder. The key component to treatment of Conduct Disorder is a sound, systematic behavior management plan.