Does anyone else have an ADHD child?

Question

My son is 9 years old. He was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago. He's been on all different kinds of medicine, that only seems to work for a short time. He's currently taking 54mg of Concerta a day, but his behavor is getting worst. For most of the day he seems angry, and yells at me. With little exsesse can I get him to listen. He is getting where he is being distructive in the house, by breaking my things, and even his own toys. I want to be happy, and to have a peaceful life, but I really scared his headed down the wrong path in life. My patiences with him is running short. I don't know what else to do. How can I get this child to show me, and everyone around him some respect?

Answer 1

Is he receiving therapy and skills training in addition to medication? Also, who prescribed the medication - a psychiatrist, or a pediatrician?

When my stepchildren were diagnosed, our therapist and psychiatrist were very direct about the fact that the medication is NOT a cure. It will HELP, but it will ONLY help. It is extremely important that people with ADHD start learning coping skills immediately, so that they can function within society's expectations in order to have a successful life.

Our culture just isn't set up to accommodate the way their brains work. That's a fact of life at any age. At 6-9, he's old enough to be learning organizational, social and other skills to help himself deal with that and smooth his way.

Another thing - 54mg seems a VERY high dose for a 9-year-old! I'm comparing that to the dose my very large 39-year-old husband was taking a few years ago, and he metabolizes the medication very quickly! I'd worry about the dose being TOO high and having a negative effect for that reason.

Finally, have you talked to the psychiatrist about oppositional defiant disorder? What you're describing sounds more like ODD than straight ADHD. My stepson had ODD, as does a friend's son. It's a difficult thing, but it's better to know than to not know.

Good luck!

Answer 2

How do you know he is ADHD? I was told that my son is ADHD but I would not just accept this conclusion without conclusive tests to prove his condition. I have never put my son on any stimulants. I know so little about you so it is difficult to say why I think this is happening to you and your son. If the medication is not helping him then take him off this drug. Here is what I think... Your son could be suffering from depression. Valium might help. The other thing that might help instead of drugs is your constant attention to his needs. I am guessing that you are single and do not spend enough time with your son. He is acting out as he needs and wants your full attention! You also need to praise him with lots of positive re-enforcement and do not dwell on the negative, discipline and punishment.

Answer 3

in America every child is ADHD according to pychologist.