Sunshine1966
New Member
My son, 6 years old, is diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. He takes Focalin XR 15 mg in the morning and 7.5 mg around 4 pm. The Focalin actually makes a big difference especially with school. He's able to work with a paraeducator and learn things, at least he's had some social success in handling the workings of being in school, standing in lines, etc.
He's been seeing a psychiatrist for about 3 1/2 years now - he's been on several other medications that weren't right for one reason or another.
I just feel like with our psychiatrist that he wants to give a medication and that's it. He usually measures his weight and periodically his height since he has a very poor appetite on Focalin. I cannot recall him ever taking his pulse or blood pressure. I know that these drugs can affect that and I'm wondering if I should be concerned that its not checked at the office or am I overreacting?
When I read the explanation of ODD and the criteria that has to be met I was overwhelmed with how much of that my son exhibits! All the time, every day is a constant battle. It wasn't until recently that I began to realize that the ODD wasn't just not wanting to do what you wanted. At this point, my son will ask me a question and I'll answer with the correct answer. His reply is always, "no Mom, what about this or that?" He can't possibly ever, ever agree with the reply he's gotten. The opposition comes out of him no matter what, no matter who, etc.
Its so difficult to see him in such emotional frustration all the time. If I could give him anything it would be peace. I feel like he doesn't have alot of that in his spirit. He does have good times, loves to be tickled, is very compassionate with people and caring. But, when the bad times roll they roll big and its difficult to get past that.
Thanks for any input you can give me!
He's been seeing a psychiatrist for about 3 1/2 years now - he's been on several other medications that weren't right for one reason or another.
I just feel like with our psychiatrist that he wants to give a medication and that's it. He usually measures his weight and periodically his height since he has a very poor appetite on Focalin. I cannot recall him ever taking his pulse or blood pressure. I know that these drugs can affect that and I'm wondering if I should be concerned that its not checked at the office or am I overreacting?
When I read the explanation of ODD and the criteria that has to be met I was overwhelmed with how much of that my son exhibits! All the time, every day is a constant battle. It wasn't until recently that I began to realize that the ODD wasn't just not wanting to do what you wanted. At this point, my son will ask me a question and I'll answer with the correct answer. His reply is always, "no Mom, what about this or that?" He can't possibly ever, ever agree with the reply he's gotten. The opposition comes out of him no matter what, no matter who, etc.
Its so difficult to see him in such emotional frustration all the time. If I could give him anything it would be peace. I feel like he doesn't have alot of that in his spirit. He does have good times, loves to be tickled, is very compassionate with people and caring. But, when the bad times roll they roll big and its difficult to get past that.
Thanks for any input you can give me!