lylajean's Journal

Journal Entry for April 17, 2008 Mood

Thursday, April 17, 2008

We went to Kaiser today and the psychiatrist we saw was great! She read the neuropsychologist's entire report, reviewed my son's entire history, spoke with him and asked him questions for over an hour, then spoke with me and asked more questions. She agreed with all the diagnosis from the neuropsychologist that he has ADHD-I (inattentive), a significant anxiety disorder with social phobia, and depression. The question is what is his bigger problem? Is his anxiety worse because he can't keep his mind from going all over the place? Or is his anxiety so bad that it aggrivates the ADHD (ie... he is more distracted because of his high anxiety level)? She said there was only one way to find out... They wouldn't normally recommend a stimulant medication for people with ADHD with anxiety because it can sometimes intensify the anxiety. But, stimulant medication works quickly and is very effective at treating ADHD. She said that a non-stimulant medication like Strattera is a little bit less effective at treating ADHD and takes longer to work but is what they use when stimulant meds. cause an adverse effect. So, we will be trying a very low dose (trial dose, not a therapeutic dose) of Concerta this Saturday. She said that if we find anything about it that we don't wish to deal with, we don't give that med. anymore and by the next day he should be fine. Then Tuesday I'm supposed to call her and let her know how things are going and if we are changing meds. or not. We see her again in 2 weeks (she said that we would address our youngest (ADHD-HI, hyperactive & impulsive) daughter at that time also) when we also begin therapy and classes. So, here we go.... I'm scared....

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Comments

god i bet you are terrified but this is your first step in the right direction thay know what thay are doing!! i think ?? but your in the right hands and if things dont go to plan your only a phone call away for help but i do hope every thing go good the first time roung bout timre you had some luck xxxx pat :)wishing you and your family well xxxxxxxxx ((((hugs)))))

happychick99
Terrific! It sounds like someone's finally on your side. Try not to get anxious yourself. This person sounds like she's trying to do something and lets face it, with meds, it's all up to your child's physiology as to whether it helps or not. Be sure to encourage your son to tell you the truth and not just tell you what he thinks you want to hear. And if this doesn't work, she'll try the other med. I'm sure that one way or another your son will get help. Psychaiatrists don't know too much about councelling (in my own personal experience) but they sure know a lot about the medical science and the medications. I think this is just what you need and you're on your way to a solution.
Big hugs,
Heidi

HeidiJune
Good luck with it all possum. Thinking of you

BecciS
Being scared is rational, but I'm pleased to see you're gonna go ahead and try the new med. I think you may be pleased with the result. I know ADHD meds seem counter-intuitive (giving stimulants to a hyperactive kid???) but seriously, they stand every chance of helping him overcome his social phobia, his anxiety AND his ADHD all in one fell swoop. They won't fix everything 100% by any means, but it should make most things just a lot better.

Then it's time to look at ADHD coaching, behavior modification (research Dialectical Behavior Therapy as a starting place), psychological counselling and even occupational therapy. All should help fill in the blanks and give him the tools to maximize the effects of the drugs.

ArmchairDeity
So much stuff hu? I know this can be overwhelming but it will all pay off. I'm so glad you didn't stop at what the school said. Your a good mother and advocate. Sounds like you found a good psychologist.

Blessings!
RJ

RJmom