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ADD W/O MEDS

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Posted 12/8/2008 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
My son, who is now 18 years old, was diagnosed with ADD when he was 5 years old.  He has a difficult time with ADHD meds, all of them make him feel sick and have no appetite.  So, he has not done well in school. He is now in college and still has a difficult time and puts off doing his homework, like he always has.  He either fails or barely passes his classes.  He has low self esteem and just doesn't want to do anything. He sees a psychiatrist for his anxiety and depression and now the Dr. says he maybe be slightly bipolar (which makes him more depressed). 

Does anyone have any suggestions and what he can take for his ADD?  Help!

Concerned Mom,

Aiko

Posted 12/8/2008 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!  This would be a good question for the depression forum and the anxiety forum here on HealingWell.  They are really good and would know far more than this forum.  I'm sure you'll get some great answers there.

 

Sherrine

Posted 12/14/2008 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Sherrine,

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll do that.

But is there anyone out there who has to deal with ADD without meds? Please respond.

Aiko
Posted 12/15/2008 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Aiko,

My grandson was diagnosed with ADD when he was in kindergarten and they wanted him on meds. My daughter gave in when he was in 2nd or 3rd grade because he could not control himself well. That did not last long as he was to lethargic. But, she and I knew it was more than ADD so she pushed for testing more than just a local kids doctor. After extensive workups at a university medical center he was diagnoses with several disorders but mostly Aspergers. When you talked about the failing grades and just can't get anything done...it struck a chord with me. He's now a senior, genius IQ and may not pass this year. It's in his head and it just won't come out plus behavior issues are major. Asperger kids can't read social cues and have a terrible time in school settings. I'm not saying this is what your son has but he has not had meds since that one try and most likely won't. They work for some kids but not for our grandson.

What I'm trying to say is make sure you have a good diagnosis and he's being treated for what is really the problem. I work nightly with my grandson just to get those genius thoughts onto paper so he can move on. I've tried to convince him and his mom to do home school but so far no go. They are about to a point where he won't have a choice soon. It breaks my heart to see him failing not because he doesn't get it but because he's wired a bit different than other kids.

Chutzie
Posted 12/15/2008 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I also moderate the depression forum and would love for you to post on there. I am sure that you will get some responses.

It is hard with add and children, there are many meds out there for them. I hope that you get some answers soon.

If the meds are making him more hyper and losing appetite, they may not be the answer. There is one called Stratera that isn't suppose to stimulate. Talk to the doctor about that.

Best wishes,
hugs, Karen
Posted 12/15/2008 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
The "diagnosis" of "slightly bipolar" worries me, as a therapist. I've never heard of such a thing. Either the child has a psychosis or not - there is no "slightly". Perhaps a new psychiatrist would be in order? At least, a second opinion. And technically, they should be able to answer the medication questions for you.
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