not sure whats happening ....

[Hdjaejordan]

for the past few years my son (now 8 ) has been agressive / violent (only when he is frustrated) cannot concentrate,outright defiant ,and sonewhat depressed .he was diagnosed last year with ADHD combined type ,ODD ,Dysthmic disorder ,social skills deficits ,and chronic negative affect ...( the diagnosing Dr. said he showed NO signs of bipolar disorder ,even though his dad is BP2 )Tried Adderall (adderrall) (failed ) added strattera (failed) tried Zoloft and seroquel (failed miseribly ) then Imprimine ...NOW Trileptal and seroquel to "rule out " Bipoar disorder ...but its not working either .If it were BP ,wouldnt the Trileptal work ? AND I see no depression ,and really not mood swings like one would have with BP ,unless what he is having is rapid cycling ......his anger /violence /agressoin is only when frustrated ,but so much frustrates him ...and no matter what it is its my fault ..the sun came up ...whatever ...should I ask about another mood stablizer ? Depakote maybe ?  I am tired of playing with all these meds ...I want to find something that will work ...I  need to l know what is really wrong with him ...

[RockRose]

Up until the age of 5 or so,  he seemed completely normal and happy and then had a very dramatic personallity change?  

Did something happen,  a disease or a head injury or a significant life change?

[Cleveland Mom]

You should post on the "Doctor to Patient" forum, you will recieve a response from child psychologist Dr. Kennedy.  He may be able to provide some insight, try to describe his behaviors more precisely and your son's history, specifics about school performance and specifics about social skills.  Best wishes...

[koukla29]

You need to take your son to the psychiatrist who diagnosed him ADHD and Oppositional Defiant.  Have a sit down to get to the bottom of this.  Make a list of medications and the behaviors you are seeing in him, and discuss ALL of this with the doctor.  

First of all, he was diagnosed last year, and has been on a ton of medications already.  Most medications take a good three weeks before they even start to take effect.  In addition, they wouldn't prescribe Depakote unless he is Bipolar or experiencing mood swings.  

Personally, I don't agree with putting a child through a million meds.  I do not mean he doesn't need meds, however, I do think whatever he is on he needs to taken consistently and over a long period of time.  In addition, this only can be authorized and the amount determined through a medical doctor or psychiatrist - I would seek one who works with specifically with children.

Finally, you might want to consider seeing a family therapist with your son.  This might help you to bond with son and learn how to effectively communicate and discipline him - especially since he has diagnosed disorders that are challenging to deal with as a parent.  best wishes

[Cleveland Mom]

A second opinion could be helpful in terms of diagnosis and setting up a medication routine and treatment plan.  This would involve finding another psychiatrist.  A psychologist may be helpful as well in terms of helping to set up a behavior plan and provide ongoing psychotherapy for your son and family.   If you are looking for an "internet opinion" then I would suggest going to the "Doctor to Patient" forum.

The best route is to contact the orginal psychiatrist and/or get a second opinion of your son.  Best wishes...

[Hdjaejordan]

no ..nothing happened ...he was cussing me out when he was 3 ,so ,no he was not behaving normally then either....

[Hdjaejordan]

The dr that diagnosed him only does testing ,,he doesnt see patients on a regular basis ... I just talked with my current pdoc and she said that they dont like to diagnose kids with BP ,,and they are usually labeled ADHD/ODD before a BP diagnosis is given...There is a strong family history on his fathers side of BP ...and stimulants and antidepressants , was pretty bad ..he was suspended from school ,broke windows out of my house etc ...and that is classic of BP 2 ...getting worse on stimulants & antidepressants ...

Pdoc wants him in the hospital ,,but first she increased the Seroquel to 75 MG at night and another 25 MG in the morning plus 300 MG of Trileptal ...she is giving him to the end of the week to improve ...Maybe he needs to go in the hospital ....

Thanks for all the advice ..it is greatly appriciated !

[socgirl]

I would reccomend switching to a psychiatrist that works as part of a child/adolescent mental health team.  That way, you and your son can receive individual and family counseling from a therapist as well as working with a psychiatrist that would also work with the therapist.  I work as a clinician on a treatment team and i know of number of my clients really like having psychiatric services available and there is less likely to be a lapse in communication.  (i.e.) the psychiatrist primarily only writes prescriptions, but he consults with me frequently regarding behavior changes, treatment plans, etc....it's a big help for all involved.  Talk to your pdoc and maybe he/she can refer you somewhere.  

Also, personally, i don't like to push for hospitalization when a minor is involved unless the patient is rapidly decompensating (suicidal, homicidal, etc).  However, there are other times where hospitalization is useful.  in your situation, it may be necessary for the purpose of medication management, since it sounds like your son's docs are having a rough time figuring out what med combination is best.  Also, upon discharge from the hospital, a comprehensive discharge plan will be made.  This plan will be made with you, your son, a psychiatrist, and a social worker...it could very well involve a referral to a mental health treatment team like i mentioned above.

good luck

[Cleveland Mom]

I agree with the hospitalization.  This is likely the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and for him to get on a medication regiment that will help him get the symptoms of whatever conditions to become more managable.  It can be a very scary thought having a child hosptialized but in the end this may be the best option.  Best wishes...

[koukla29]

If the doctor has reccomended hospitalizing him, you should really consider following his advice.  This is the best way to stabilize your son.  Typically, when you Baker Act, which means admitting a child or adult to a psychiatric unit, they will monitor his progress for 72 hours.  This allows the doctors to stabilize him with the appropriate meds.  In addition, they have a better idea of how to help him by monitoring him for 72 hours.  

I know they like to stay away from diagnosing children so young with Bipolar Disorder.  What you have described sounds very much like ODD.  I think he is extremely agitated and has poor impulse control, which will make it nearly impossible to get him to listen to anyone right now.

Consider hospitalization and ask them about visitation if it makes you uncomfortable.  I applaud how hard you are working towards helping your son.  If you are not getting the answers you need from the psychiatrist, definitely consider a second opinion. Best wishes  

[langmom]

My sons agressive behavior (very similar) all cleared up when I completely took him off all artificial food colorings, high fructose corn syrup, corn in any form, and wheat.  He still has some ADD tendencies (genetically from me), but it has greatly improved since this diet change over a year ago.  He is almost 5 now.