mood swings and ADD

Posted by Ellen on May 19, 1999 at 15:32:46
My son, who is 9, has been taking for Ritalin for 4 years but for the last 3 years has seemed to have periods where he is not happy, has low self esteem and is excessively emotional....he starts crying over something that doesn't seem to warrant it. He can be very moody and easily frustrated. It feels like living with a teenager. Can this be a side effect of the Ritalin that he is taking(10 mg. twice a day) or does he maybe have some other problem. In some ways, he is not "classic" ADD and when he was diagnosed (not by a psychiatrist) we were told it was mild...he does extremely well in school, scores very high on standardized test and has friends (not lots and lots but some). He doesn't like school this year (he always used to like it) and cannot deal with change....won't get rid of his first bedspread or curtains. If not ADD, what could be the problem?

Posted by HFHS.MD-AJ on May 21, 1999 at 15:23:20
Ellen,
Ritalin may cause side effects such as irritability, moodiness, and dysphoria, but these side effects are usually temporary, and often resolve after a few weeks.
Your son's 3-year history of unhappiness, moodiness, irritability, low self esteem, crying spells, and loss of interest in and withdrawal from regular and pleasurable activities may be due to mood disorders, such as Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder, which are often co-morbid with ADHD.
I recommend that you arrange an appointment for your son to be evaluated by a child psychiatrist, for clarification of his diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
This information is for general information only. Always contact your physician for any health concerns.
Keywords: ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Major Depression, Ritalin