Troubled 3 year old

[heatherwindisch1984]

I have a three year old son that is out of control. He has ADHD and ODD. He goes to therapy once a week to try and help get him under control. He is also taking medication and nothing seems to be working. I am about at the end of my rope. He talks back, hits, is crual to animals, and hurts himself on purpose. He has also talked about shooting people. He is getting in trouble at school as well. Screaming at the teacher, lying, stealing, and hitting. I dont know what else to do. I have no family or friends around to turn to. I thought enrolling him in a special education school and therapy would help and its only getting worse. I need help! I need someone to point me in the right direction. The therapist suggested military school when he gets old enough otherwise he will end up in jail before the age of 15. I just want to help my son but dont know how. I have done everything the doctors have told me to and everything i have read I have already tried with no success. Please Help!!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Definitely another opinion (or re-evaluation) of the medication would be warranted. The stimulant medication will not be useful re: his mood-related behavior and may actually exacerbate it.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

One thing I would suggest is a second opinon consult about medication. What medication(s) is he taking now? Is there a family history of any emotional disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder or Depression?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Possible choices could include low dose of risperodone or one of the antihypertensives, such as clonidine or guanfacine. See what the prescriber might suggest. His age limits the options but does not exclude the pharmacology option.

[heatherwindisch1984]

Do you have any suggests on medications that I could ask for? He is young so i'm not really sure what options there are for him only being 3 almost 4. I just know that something has to be done. His therapist is not sure what else to do either since he has made no progress since starting therapy almost a year ago. In fact he has gotten worse. He is stealing, lying, and physically fighting with someone on a daily basis. He thinks hurting people is funny.

[heatherwindisch1984]

He is on methylphenidate. I have PTSD but other than that no one else has anything.