gcvmom
Here we go again!
psychiatrist squeezed us in today and he got to see difficult child 2 after a week-long medication wash... first time he's seen him like this in about 5.5 years. Right now the biggest issue is the impulse control and the mood problems. psychiatrist feels that there is a mood/BiPolar (BP) element possibly evolving, and in five years or so he could very well be in a full-blown state. But right now, it's sort of at a subclinical level, but something, whatever it is, is there besides the ADHD, because of how he's responded to the stimulants so far (needing higher and higher doses as it becomes ineffective over time).
Anyway, we're starting Depakote today, 250mg for 5 days, then increasing to 500mg for 5 more days, then I'm to call with an update (and obviously would call if things deteriorate before then). His hope is that it will address the mood and impulsivity problems. If it works, then we'll look at re-introducing a stimulant for the ADHD/focus component, but at a much, much lower dose than what was needed before. I'm not even going to think about it not working. :eek:
I also told him about the second opinion I'm seeking, and he was all for that. I guess we'll just move forward with the Depakote as planned, instead of trying to get him into the other psychiatrist office medication-free. I'm sure if this other guy's any good, he'll be able to make a valid assessment based on what he sees and the history he's given. He can also call our other psychiatrist if he has any questions.
I so hope that this is finally the right direction for difficult child 2. It feels like it's been such a long, drawn out journey that has only created more confusion as time has gone by. I'm not eager for any particular labels to be applied to him, just eager for a solution to his behavior problems!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and for listening :smile:
Anyway, we're starting Depakote today, 250mg for 5 days, then increasing to 500mg for 5 more days, then I'm to call with an update (and obviously would call if things deteriorate before then). His hope is that it will address the mood and impulsivity problems. If it works, then we'll look at re-introducing a stimulant for the ADHD/focus component, but at a much, much lower dose than what was needed before. I'm not even going to think about it not working. :eek:
I also told him about the second opinion I'm seeking, and he was all for that. I guess we'll just move forward with the Depakote as planned, instead of trying to get him into the other psychiatrist office medication-free. I'm sure if this other guy's any good, he'll be able to make a valid assessment based on what he sees and the history he's given. He can also call our other psychiatrist if he has any questions.
I so hope that this is finally the right direction for difficult child 2. It feels like it's been such a long, drawn out journey that has only created more confusion as time has gone by. I'm not eager for any particular labels to be applied to him, just eager for a solution to his behavior problems!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and for listening :smile: