What is really wrong with my son?

[mammaoftres]

My 5 yr. old son was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and Insomnia. at the age of 3. However all the behaviors and the not sleeping started at the age of 2 yrs. The firstr med he was put on was trazadone and it never worked. He has been taking melatonin for 3 yrs.  4 - 5mg. pills, and it is beginning not to have no effect on him. He also takes clonodine for sleep and he started on 0.1 mg. and now he takes 3 - 0.1 mg. he is now waking up at 3 and 4 am. and will not go back to sleep. He is very hyper and non compliant, he does the opposite of what I tell him and then sometimes he acts like I don't exsist at all. I have tried everything theraphy, meds., I don't know what to do anymore I am not sure this is what he has I wonder if he has something else or if there is any suggestions out there for me.I need to help my son I want him to be a productive part of society when he gets older, I just don't know where to go to get him the help he needs and me the answers I need to better parent him.

[JACQUE62]

SO FAR NO ONE HAS MEENTIONED THAT ADHD IS HERRIDITORY.I'M RAISING MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHO'S NOW 11.SHE TAKE DEXIDRINE SPANTULES AND THE TABLETS.SHE'S OLD ENOUGH TO TELL HER DR.IF THE MEDS WORK OR NOT.SHE TAKES CLONIDINE AND TRAZIDONE AT NIGHT.WE ALL KNEW BY HER ACTIONS THAT SHE WAS ADHD WITH ODD AND ANEXIETY BEFORE WE TOOK HER TO THE DR.DIET AND EXERCIZE,GOOD EATING HABITS AND NO TV OR COMPUTER HALF HOUR PRIOR TO BED.SHE'S DONE PRETTY WELL.HER MOTHER DID DRUGS WHILE PREGNANT ANS FINDING A DRUG THAT WORKS FOR HER ISN'T EASY.THE DR.ALSO TOLD US THAT WHAT MEDS HER UNCLE USED FOR HIS ADHD WOULD PROBABY WORK ON HER AS WELL.IT DOES,BOTH HER DAD,UNCLE AND MYSELF HAVE SLEEP DISORDERS.THERE ARE NATURAL VITAMINS FOR ADHD AT THE HEALTH FOOD STORES ALSO.JUST BE SURE THE DIAGNOSIS IS CORRECT,AND COUNSELING IS ALSO A HELP.GOOD LUCK .

[specialmom]

Well, it sure seems like you've tried to cover all your bases with your son.  It sounds like you've tried and are trying many things.  I understand what you are saying about sleep.  If my son who is a little like yours doesn't get a good nights sleep or is ill----  all bets are off.  He can deteriorate very quickly and have a very bad day.  In truth, we all can as most people have bad days when they are super tired.  But a challenging child can take it to new heights.  So I'm sure you are desperate for him to get his sleep.  However, sometimes sleep aids can backfire.  Extended use of them can be a bit tricky for adults so I'm sure for kids.   Has he ever had a period of any length without the sleep aid?  Do you ever give him a 'drug holiday' on the weekend?  

My son has had some issues sleeping at times because he can't quiet his system.  We've tried weighted objects for him.  They make compression vests that squeeze and add weight that some kids are really soothed by.  You can also get 'under armour' which they sell at any sporting goods shop in a size smaller than he normally where.  They make tank tops and shorts and they would give him this same kind of squeeze.  We don't have a weighted blanket as they are really expensive but we have a weighted lap pad (4 pounds).  I'll sometimes rock him with it on his lap and then rest it on his chest in bed.  He must like it because he doesn't move it off.  It seems to help.  Again, the physical activity during the day helps as well.  

I wish you lots of luck.

[mammaoftres]

He has also been diagnosed with multiple other things i choose not to give him meds for it

[mammaoftres]

Thank you, I choose not to have him on meds for ADHD. I just have him on meds for Insomnia that is what he has been diagnosed with I also take him to a great psychologist for children. And to answer that comment about his atmosphere. He has a younger brother that is 4. He goes to a school for behavior. He does not throw tantrums for less he has emotional meltdowns. he is not spoiled at all I refuse to raise to think they can get what ever they want by screaming and getting angry. My kids earn what they have as well i take it a way for bad behavior it just doesn't affect him. Also no sugar no gluten no wheat no processed foods except on occasion. And yet nothing else works. As of now he is on 0.1 mg. of clonodine and melatonin if he does not take it he will not sleep and then he can not have a normal day it will effect him terribly. I know that this is a long road I just want him to have a normal up bringing and a good social life.

[Sandman2]

  You need to start with a good child psychologist.  With the melatonin you are basically drugging him to put him to sleep and not treating the underlying cause.  None of the meds you mentioned will help ADHD if that is what he has.   That is not that unusual because Doctors don't typically start kids on ADHD meds till school age if it is necessary.  But as some members have suggested, there are other things he might have beside ADHD.  And the meds should be a last resort.  However, he certainly has some of the main characteristics of ADHD.  So, you do need to do a little or a lot of research into ADHD so you can understand what is going on.  
  So to answer your question, you need to find a child psychologist that specializes in ADHD.  If you are lucky enough to find a good one, keep in mind that communication is important and that this will be a long term trip.  This is not something that can be fixed by a magic pill - it will take a very unified approach by parent, child and doctor.
Good Luck

[allmymarbles]

When entries are made concerning children on this forum, the writer never seems to discuss the home atmosphere, whether there are siblings, or anything else that affects the child's life. Is your child's diet heavy on sugar? What is your attitude toward raising a child? Is the atmosphere at home too stimulating? Is your son spoiled? Does he throw tantrums? You see what I mean. Your offer too little information for anyone to give a reasonable opinion concerning your problem.

[specialmom]

I have no idea if this applies to your son at all---- but google sensory  integration disorder and see if anything fits.  This is a nervous system delay and is treated with occupational therapy.  Occupational therapy addresses a child's needs (in the case of sensory directly for their nervous system) through what looks like play.  Kids absolutely love it.  An ot also works on life skills for kids----  how to improve social skills, sleep skills, study skills, and anger issues.  I know that occupational therapy isn't always possible for different reasons----  but so much of it can be done on one's own.  There is a book called "the out of sync child has fun" by Carol Kranowitz that you can get at the library.  It has ideas of things you can do at home for the nervous system.  I would say also that your 5 year old may love being outside and running, jumping, rolling, swinging (soothing), sliding, and climbing.  Swimming is excellent as is climbing.  Anything that requires muscle work----- carrying some books for mom, moving a filled laundry basket across the floor, etc.  Bike riding is a perfect activity as well.  My son has sensory integration dysfunction and this is what we do to maintain his issue.  He is doing well with this approach.  Physical activity has a great affect on behavior.  Perhaps you could add this into your son's routine and see if it has any affect for him.  Good luck.

[dollyn]

please read about what this medicine is that your son is on right now and what the side effects to it are.And what it does to his little body.These drugs go right to our childrens brain.And can do all sort of things.

Have you had a full blood work up on your son or has he been to see a neurologist  yet for your son ?

please what ever you do don't put him on any medicines for add or adhd.They only made my son worse.If you read what I have wrote you will see why. My son started having seizures after being on medicines and still to this day and even with medicines and surgery this year to put in a VNS.


What is trazodone (trazadone)?

Trazodone (trazadone) is used to treat depression. Trazodone (trazadone) may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Trazodone (trazadone) is a tetracyclic antidepressant. It is thought to increase the activity of one of the (brain chemicals )  (serotonin), which helps elevate mood.

Trazodone (trazadone) side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, tiredness dizziness, blurred vision, headache, muscle aches and pains, dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, stuffy nose, constipation, or change in sexual interest/ability may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Antidepressants such as trazodone (trazadone) (increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in short-term studies in children and adolescents) with Major Depressive Disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of trazodone (trazadone) or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication.
with the prescriber

Click for more information on trazadone (trazodone)

Also you could try and give him omega 3 and B6 Vitamins .

[margypops]

It may be a good idea to ask the Doctor to check the meds many of these drugs do have side effects on children, so check the dosage,and whether you need to change them. If you look at the other posts here you will find much concern about the Meds used on children ,I suggest you google for more information Look at the related discussions in the box above .It is great you want to get some help to deal with this for him, Good Luck .