OT: ADD/Bi-Polar Child

[Biscuitsmom31]

A while back I posted about my 9 year old son's problems. The teacher blew the ADHD test and I didn't know what I was going to do. Well, I just wanted to update anyone who's interested. When the counselor was able to meet with my son 1 on 1, it didn't take long for him to realize the severity of the problem. After months of pushing, waiting and complete frustration, one day after meeting with my son the doctor had him on a new medication. I don't care what Tom Cruise thinks, my son has made a complete turn around!! His teacher has been calling me at work, not to tell me how terrible his behavior is, but how good he is being! He feels so much better about himself. He went from "not functioning" at school to being "a normal 4th grader". I'm absolutely thrilled. The medication he is taking is called Risperdal. His teacher told me she's never seen anything like it - and she's been teaching for 25 years.

 

[wilma-bride]

Don't normally post here but just wanted to say what great news it is that someone has finally recognised your son's condition and helped you. My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD 7 years ago. She is on Ritalin and, although I didn't agree with her taking the drug at first, I have to admit the difference in her behaviour was astounding. Even now, at 13, if she forgets to take her medication, we notice a difference in her behaviour within minutes.

I hope your son continues to flourish now he has the right medication

 

[tmli]

DS has ASD, ADHD and Bi Polar. Also used resperidol...problem is he doubled his weight in less than a year. An apparent side effect of the med. The change we saw was incredible when using this med.

 

[spotdog]

Good to hear that a medication has been found to help your son. Let him know how proud you are in the change in his behavior.

I have struggled with mental illness most of my adult life and know that psych meds seem to work differently for everyone. It also takes a willingness to try to change thinking and behavior that doesn't work. That is big challenge for a child.

I, too, have gained alot of weight on medication (Depakote). I have come to realize that I would rather be a big, beautiful person who can cope with life, rather than a thin person who is suffering.

 

[ducklite]

My son also takes Risperdol, although the doctor has been weaning him off that and on to Topamax, which seems to be working very well without the grogginess he got from Risperdol. He still takes Risperdol, but only at bedtime, which actually is a good thing because he's had bouts of insomnia as well.

Anne

 

[travellady]

I wish I could say I hadn't heard of any of these meds, nor symptoms you describe, but am all too familiar as my son was diagnosed ADHD 3 years ago and my husband has bi-polar disorder.

My son's on Adderall and what a difference that made in his life. Before, he felt he wasn't good enough, was stupid, and got into spats with friends. Since medication, he's risen to one of the top soccer players for his age in our state, student council rep, has lots of friends, and most parents comment on what a nice young man he is. I really wish he didn't have to take a drug to be this person, but that's the cards life dealt him and thankfully there is something to help him along.

My husband is currently on Depakote, Lamictal, and Adderall to help him keep close to normal. But, he still grapples with depression periodically and as he's gotten older, I've noticed things like memory loss, inability to track fast moving conversations, and a greater need for clarification of what's being discussed. Last summer, he called me at work as he was frantically searching for his car and sure it was stolen. With most people, I would have believed that was probably the case, but with him, I suspected it wasn't the case and had to walk him through where he'd been, where he might have parked, etc. Sure enough, the car wasn't where he thought he parked it.

Bottom line, I'm thankful we live in a time where drugs are available to help people with these type of disorders, that they are not looked down on, and more importantly institutionalized all of their lives. Even 40 years ago, when I was in elementary school, ADHD wasn't recognized nor treated as it is today. There were 4 boys in my classroom labelled "troublemakers". All 4 have passed away due to drugs, alcohol, car wrecks, and one had AIDs. I realized, overntime, these kids probably were ADHD, bi-polar, or both yet that was never considered the problem therefore they never got treatment.

 

[mlwear]

My son dx'd ADHD/bipolar did take Risperdal but he switched to Abilify. From what I understand it is a lot like Risperdal (minus the weight gain), but for our son had even better results. Our ins. co. does not consider it a preferred drug. They choose Risperdal (another reason I think they must be similar) and we have to pay more for the non-preferred med. but worth every penny.
(NOTE: please do your own reseach regarding comparison of Risperdal and Abilify, I have limited knowledge). He also takes Wellbutrin.

My youner DS with autism takes Risperdal. It has helped a lot with aggressive behaviors. We went to a lower dose because of weight gain.

I don't care what Tom Cruise says either. I know the quality of my children's lives is greatly improved with carefully monitored medication.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thank you for the update and I am so happy for you that DS is doing so well.

I have seen a lot of postive results with Respierdal. Different doses can be used to treat very different symptoms.

So glad things are going well and DS is doing so well. This has to be great for his self esteem too.

I not only don't care what Tom says, I think he is a bonified wack job (and this is my professional opionon also!)

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

I not only don't care what Tom says, I think he is a bonified wack job (and this is my professional opionon also!)

He's only trying to protect us from the mind controlling aliens...

I've seen so many comments about Risperdal causing weight gain. This would actually be a good thing for my son. After a year of Strattera he's very thin. I haven't noticed a significant change yet but he's also still taking Strattera in combination with Risperdal. Maybe they will balance each other out. At any rate, not being able to see every bone in his back would be an improvement.

 

[DisneyPhD]

He's only trying to protect us from the mind controlling aliens...

I've seen so many comments about Risperdal causing weight gain. This would actually be a good thing for my son. After a year of Strattera he's very thin. I haven't noticed a significant change yet but he's also still taking Strattera in combination with Risperdal. Maybe they will balance each other out. At any rate, not being able to see every bone in his back would be an improvement.

So true.

Risperdal really does have a side effect of weight gain, but that is normally in higher doses. You are right taking with Strattera might make a difference, or a little weight gain might be good for him. If it happens very fast (over one month.) or is more then what is good for him be sure to let your Doc know.