Mother

I have 12 years old son. diagnosed ADHD 4 years ago. He took concerta for 2 years did not make any difference. We stoped giving him medication. and I put him on herbal medication.

He was fine up till 2 months ago. Starting bad language, does not take no if something does not like or we tell them stop to do creates an argument. I took him to Dr again and gave him mood swing medication with ADHD combine. I forgot the name. My son got worse and more aggressive acting. He started vomiting I called the Dr and increased the dose. After that my son got worse and worse. Then we stopped medication again and went to therapist.

He said he is frustrated on study so he needs tutoring with every other week his office visit. He offers tutoring in his office.

Now my questions is,if the child is suffering with bipolar or attention or whatever diagnose is therapy or tutoring will help? He is not paying attention. His mood swings alot.

He first starts arguing with us and call us names and try to throw the things on us. When you ask why you do that? He says just for my protection.

I do not know what to do. one DR say ADHD other say BP another says he does not have ADHD just therapy will do. Not sure who to listen to

His mood is getting worse. He gets angry very fast. He pays attention on study but after some time gets frustrated and distracted.

Does he needs medication? or therapy will help or it is just the grown up age the kids do that. I have 3 older daughters and they are fine. Please help.



Dear Mother

I am very sorry for all you have been through. It doesn't sound like you have gotten very good help. You yourself can be the judge of whether therapy is helping. Therapy can be helpful for ADHD and bipolar if it is managed with medication. Therapy is not helpful in my opinion, if a child is unstable. I would look up on the CABF website a list of doctors who are well versed in bipolar disorder in your area. You don't mention your family history but this is significant. If you do not understand what your therapist is doing, or haven't gotten good medical advice, keep asking until you get answers that make sense.

I am very sorry for what you have experienced with the mental health system. I realize you sent this message quite a while ago, and unfortunately, I have been incredibly backlogged. Please feel free to update this message and I will respond ASAP.

Sincerely
Kristen McClure