scared of diagnosises

[mom_of4]

I have a five year old son who was just evaluated by our local Dunn Center.  They believe that he has ADHD combined, Bi-polar, Intermittent Explosive Diorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Sensory Intergration Dysfunction.  We have known about the SID and ADHD for some time now but, the other diagonsosies are new.  If anyone has any info on these disorders please let me know.  We have known that our sweet little boy has had something wrong because of behavior.

[mordeb]

I to had a child with tons of diagnosis'.  After many years we finally found out she had Aspergers Syndrome which has similar symptoms to all of these problems.  Please ask about this.  Since my child has been in the Autism program at her local public school, she is doing so much better.  This has been a life saver for not only her but the whole family.  She still continues to display all of the diagnosis/symptoms that you describe, but usually everything is toned down because the way we approach it now is different.  

[RockRose]

I agree,  get another opinion.  ADHD and SID,  that you've known all along,  sounds acceptable.

For your "sweet little boy" to be diagnosed with this enormous number of behavior defies belief really - a child with all those disorders would be intractable and difficult in the extreme.  This would be a child that no one can get along with and has the home constantly hamstsrung with tantrums,  aggressive outbursts,  physical and verbal aggression,  impulsive unpredictable behaviors every day,  etc.

Best wishes.

[RStern]

Wow - that is a lot to handle and I would absolutely urge you to get a 2nd opinion, and perhaps a 3rd opinion as well.  Russell Barkley, in his authoritative guide to ADHD, says (and I agree) that the professionals in our lives serve as advisors and nothing more.

"We" as parents must advocate for our children and make certain that they are getting the best care and treatment possible - including support and encouragement.

In terms of the diagnoses - I have two thoughts:

1.  In children, many symptoms overlap and are common among a great number of diagnoses (including Bipolar, SID, ADHD, normal development, non-verbal learning disability, and so on).

2.  Is it possible that they are recommending these diagnoses as part of their "differential diagnosis" (aka - trying to figure out just what is going on)?

As a therapist, and parent first, I would be quite cautious about how to take this news.  I would first recommend asking for complete feedback on all of this - and what it means.  Next, I would absolutely get a 2nd opinion.

But most of all - I would find some supports to start making sense out of all this.  One step at a time.  If you look at the big picture without a game plan - you are going to be overwhelmed.

Rory

[jdtm]

I, too, am wondering if you should seek another opinion.  It sounds to me as if this "Dunn Center" is just "covering their buts" by naming anything and everything.  I would ask your family physician for another referral.  

[Jennifer375]

This is insain,, the doctor or whatever doing this diagnosing ought to be throughly checked out by a board of directors group... you have far to much faith in the medical establishment IMO.