My 6 year old doesn't seem to feel pain.

[Mommabear4]

My son has been diagnosed with ADHD (combined type).  He is severe in all three categories.  He is taking ritalin and risperidone.  I agree with his diagnosis and his psychologist has said that there is definately some co-morbidity but that has yet to be determined what else he has.  The other conditions that she has mentioned are ODD and OCD.  The problem is neither of these explain why my son seems indifferent to pain.  My son cut his leg wide open on the back of our couch and he didn't even notice.  There was no change in his facial expression or any cry of pain.  I asked him if he was aware that his leg was cut.  He didn't know but began to cry once I told him he was hurt.  He said he was crying because there was blood.  We did have to take him in for stitches so it was serious.  On a seperate ocassion I went to pick him up from kindergarten and his teacher informed me that during class she looked up at my son and saw his shirt had blood all over it as well as around his mouth.  He had pulled his own tooth out (it was not loose) and he was just sitting there like nothing happened.  My son also picks and chews his finger tips to point of bleeding.  When asked about it he says that he needs them to be smooth.  I should also mention my son has several sensory issues.  Has anyone ever heard of this before?

[RockRose]

Children with ADHD are often very tolerant of pain,  and don't focus on injuries.  

JD - I've heard of what you're talking about,  but it seems like that's a different syndrome.  Those kids can't learn things like don't burn  yourself,  don't fall off high places,  etc.,  because they literally don't feel anything as painful.  I think what the OP is talking about is a high level of pain tolerance.

[jdtm]

My son also picks and chews his finger tips to point of bleeding.  --  your words

The "picking" of skin is a behaviour common to OCD.  Sensory issues are usually co-morbid with anxiety issues so your statement about "sensory" was more or less expected.


I read on the internet that the gene SCN9A is the one which, if it has a default, the person cannot feel pain.  I also read that Resperidone (an anti-psychotic medication) is used for ADHD and pediatric schizophrenia.  Co-incidentally, children who suffer from "no pain" often suffer from schizophrenia.  Not to scare you - but I think I would address these questions to your family doctor/psychologist/psychiatrist.  ODD is a very serious diagnosis and often is used by the mental health field to "cover" areas where the suspected diagnosis cannot be given until the person is an adult.  I also noticed that there is a Schizophrenia Forum on this site - maybe someone on that board will be able to offer more concrete information or be able to refute the information I found.  I wish you the best ...