Byrd

New Member
We met with the Psychiatrist yesterday. difficult child was very cooperative (even making a case for his own diagnosis). She asked a lot of questions, talked with me about history, asked difficult child a few things, and said that she felt he qualified for a diagnosis of ODD.

With that said, she talked about how at his age (5) the underlying issues as to why he is displaying these behaviors are still unknown. She said that she would like to start behavior therapy with a specialist and see if we can help difficult child learn strategies to control his agression. She said that she wants me to learn all I can about ODD...she also said to keep an open mind about the idea of medication down the line. She said that she wants to start with the least invasive treatments first. I agree. It was scary to hear her mention anti-psychotic medications. She also said that hypertensive medications are often used.

As for additional diagnosis (like ADD/ADHD), she again mentioned that at his age the diagnosis may be difficult. She suggested we start by working on the current symptoms and watch to see what other clues we can find to the underlying causes. That sounds reasonable to me.

So then we went home...without any real new ideas. I know, I know...I cannot expect immediate changes. She did suggest removing all violent media (video games, etc...) and no more swats on the bottom (which I never felt worked anyway). And she said that difficult child and I could brainstorm ideas of things that might calm him when he gets upset.

We brainstormed on the way home. difficult child suggested that I hold him and rock him in the recliner when he gets angry. I thought that sounded good (but knew that he would probably hate the idea when it came to fruition). He also suggested straps to keep him there. I declined.

When he blew up later that afternoon, I went over to him and calmly said, "Why don't we go sit in the recliner and rock until you're calm?" Without skipping a beat, my five year old responded, "Why don't I punch you in the face?" I did decide to follow through and held him for about 30 mintues while he raged. Eventually he was simply exhausted and I could let go. All this because I asked him to stop walking on the back of the couch. Sigh...:faint:
 

TerryJ2

Well-Known Member
LOL! I'm sorry, that punching in the face thing just cracked me up!

I'm glad the psychiatrist suggested waiting until she gives more of a diagnosis (and it will come!) because at 5, it is truly difficult.
We have used Clonidine, a hypertensive medication, and it works really well. difficult child doesn't even mind taking it.
It's obviously used off-label.
I'm also glad the psychiatrist suggested talk therapy. He's got to learn to control himself and you'll come up with-all sorts of strategies when you go to therapy.
 

busywend

Well-Known Member
HI Byrd - welcome!

When he rages have you ever tried something totally silly and random? Like start singing Jingle Bells at the top of your lungs and dance around the house? Sometimes a silly moment can stop them in their tracks. Other times - it is too late or they are too angry. Worth a shot though!
 

Byrd

New Member
That's a good idea. I have always subscribed to the concept of "confuse and distract." When he was raging this time, I just kept repeating "I love you, you're going to be ok." But a lot of that was just for me.

I have rated his tantrums before..."That's not a very loud one. Yesterday you were much louder...come on, you can do better." But that just enrages him more.

I got the book "The Defiant Child" today. Glad to see that I only have to read to chapter 6 before I reach the chapter entitled "After You Have Control." It makes me hopeful.

difficult child had a good weekend, but I was out of the picture a lot. I have a rotten cold and husband spent much of the weekend with the boys while I rested in our bedroom.

Today he punched his brother because the brother did something he didn't like. I didn't know how to respond. I hate that he gets away with it, but I also just didn't have the skill to reprimand him without enraging him. Lord please get me to the next therapy meeting.
 

TerryJ2

Well-Known Member
That's a good idea. I have always subscribed to the concept of "confuse and distract." When he was raging this time, I just kept repeating "I love you, you're going to be ok." But a lot of that was just for me.

Ohh, that's actually very sweet. Makes me want to hug you.


I have rated his tantrums before..."That's not a very loud one. Yesterday you were much louder...come on, you can do better." But that just enrages him more.

been there done that. It only worked for me in public. (It got other shoppers chuckling a bit, too.) At home, it enrages him more.


Lord please get me to the next therapy meeting.

I hear you!
I hope you feel better. I hate colds. It's bad enough you have a raging kid. Being sick on top of it is too much.
Take care.
 
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