Had posted not too long ago about how things were going. http://www.conductdisorders.com/forum/f6/things-tough-right-now-33321/ Here is an update.
husband and I went to a first psychiatrist appointment (without difficult child). psychiatrist was highly recommended. He talked to us and asked us questions for almost 1.5 hours. I liked the way he said that ODD describes a behavioral pattern but not underlying issues and that it appeared that something else was going on here. He said he does not believe medications are always the solution but he feels that the intensity of difficult children tantrums and behaviors are so outside the norm that medication is warranted. Based on the information that we provided he thinks he would start with an atypical antipsychotic. Although he does not feel she is exhibiting classic psychotic behavior he felt that given the intensity of her tantrums this was the route to go. He mentioned Risperdal and Seroquel.
But he needs to see difficult child before he can prescribe anything. We discussed how we might get her to the office. Our plan is get the PCs out of the house and for me to drive and husband to restrain difficult child in the car. psychiatrist said he will come to the car to see her if we can get her there but not into the office.
As for taking the medications once prescribed I think we will have to do a stop the world where she can only go to school and no sports, TV, computer, friends etc. unless she is taking medications. However, this will likely lead to tantrums where she will get very physical with me (slapping, punching, kicking) so we need to be ready to call crisis and have her transported. Given that as an option (hospitalization) she may be willing to take the medications. I know the medications need to happen and husband is also on board.
We have never really discussed medications with her. She totally shuts down if we try to discuss her behavior at all. I would welcome suggestions on how to bring that up with her. husband and I are both on antidepressants at this point. Should we share that info with her?
I am so thankful for this forum during this time.
husband and I went to a first psychiatrist appointment (without difficult child). psychiatrist was highly recommended. He talked to us and asked us questions for almost 1.5 hours. I liked the way he said that ODD describes a behavioral pattern but not underlying issues and that it appeared that something else was going on here. He said he does not believe medications are always the solution but he feels that the intensity of difficult children tantrums and behaviors are so outside the norm that medication is warranted. Based on the information that we provided he thinks he would start with an atypical antipsychotic. Although he does not feel she is exhibiting classic psychotic behavior he felt that given the intensity of her tantrums this was the route to go. He mentioned Risperdal and Seroquel.
But he needs to see difficult child before he can prescribe anything. We discussed how we might get her to the office. Our plan is get the PCs out of the house and for me to drive and husband to restrain difficult child in the car. psychiatrist said he will come to the car to see her if we can get her there but not into the office.
As for taking the medications once prescribed I think we will have to do a stop the world where she can only go to school and no sports, TV, computer, friends etc. unless she is taking medications. However, this will likely lead to tantrums where she will get very physical with me (slapping, punching, kicking) so we need to be ready to call crisis and have her transported. Given that as an option (hospitalization) she may be willing to take the medications. I know the medications need to happen and husband is also on board.
We have never really discussed medications with her. She totally shuts down if we try to discuss her behavior at all. I would welcome suggestions on how to bring that up with her. husband and I are both on antidepressants at this point. Should we share that info with her?
I am so thankful for this forum during this time.