It's tough being a parent. Good Luck.

I thought for those of you who might be interested, I'd give you an update. I spoke with my son't therapist today an went over the evaulation an diagnosis. He's been diagnosed with Mood Disorder, ADHD, an ODD. They feel that the Mood Disorder could become a diagnosis of Bipolar as he exhibits many of the symptoms. His medications have been changed an he's receivin both group an individual therapy daily. He should be released sometime next week.

Thank you for the update.

I am sure this is difficult for you at times, so many conflicting symptoms.

It seems like the criteria for diagnosis is constantly changin also. An so much conflictin recommendations as to treatment. I think that I'm goin to treat in a 3 prong approach. I'm lookin at not only meds an therapy but also his diet. I feel that usin a combination of the 3 will be very beneficial to him.

I agree!! 1000000%!

Medication is just one part of the treatment, and I personally felt when I was in practice, and still to this day, that medications are often times over used. and often times, the diagnosis is given too quickly and many times they are wrong. I would not be in a big hurry to label the illness with anything, just getting the symptoms under control is much more important. (IMO) Children have many changes to their bodies and minds to be labeled and fit with a diagnosis that will stick with them for a lifetime.

YOU are the expert for your child. You are the one that knows your child and his behavior the best. You are the one that will best know the interventions that will work for him.

I would strongly recommend that along with NAMI, you get in touch with CHADD and see about a life coach for your son as well.

There are many interventions that are successful for people/children, yet there is no "cookie cutter' treatment that works for everyone. That is why I advocate that people explore and make informed choices from a variety of options.

of course, the safety of the child comes first and foremost.

Dietary, structure, routine, sleep, and positive reinforcements for his successes!!

I admire your focus on your child's mental health!!

Perfect example of bein the one who knows my child's behavior best. He was asked about havin any problems with sleep. He said none. I informed the therapist today that he lied. He's gone over 24 hours before fallin asleep exhausted. He does this at least every couple weeks. Knocks his whole sleep pattern off for a few days. Then there are times when he sleeps for what will seem the entire day an into the next.
I whole hearted believe that we as parents are our children's best advocates. There seems to be so much shame an guilt concernin mental illness an this really needs to be done away with. People who don't deal with these things need to be educated an brought to realize that it's not about our parentin skills or lack of. These are geniune bilogical illnesses. They are chronic illnesses just as asthma or juvenile diabetes. The only difference bein these illnesses affect their brains an behavior.

I'd like to know, are there any parents out here with children with ADHD, who've changed their diets an seen any improvement in symptoms an behavior? I've decided to cut out any drinks other than water, milk or 100% fruit juices. No junk foods such as lil debs, cookies, etc. Plenty of fresh fruits an veggies.

I commend you for looking at this from all aspects.

I agree that diet and sleep patterns are hugely important in the health of your child, both mental and physical.

Good luck and keep on being that mamma bear....you are doing a fabulous job!

If you need to talk reddy, my email box is open. I have done social work interships in community mental health and my son's father is bipolar.

There are people who work with holistic pharmacists who treat children with ADHD without medication. There are life styles that are better as well...

taking out the refined sugar of anyone's life style is a great benefit, IMO.

To be honest, with all the kids and families that I have worked with over the years...in patient, out patient, in home therapy...blah blah blah...there are things that work for one child/family that do not work for the next.

I think that CHADD has some different life styles on their site...they used to anyway. They specialize in ADD/ADHD issues and work along side of NAMI...not instead of NAMI.

Remember, children metabolize things differently as well...boys are generally faster than girls, prepubescent are faster than 15 year olds...

the most successful intervention that I have ever used, or have seen successful on a consistent basis across many children/families over time is the use of ROUTINE!! keeping things pretty much routine is/has been the most successful intervention and the one that works fairly quickly...

good luck! I think that the positive environment that you provide for your children is great too!!

My mom had to hospitalize me when I was 12, I was going through depression, anger, suicide attempts, split personality disorder, nightmares and hallucinations. I was in rough shape to say the least. I was in the hospital for 3 months, in which time they helped me with most of my issues. I still suffer from depression and nightmares, I have developed social anxiety disorder but I am in counseling for those. I am also on medication for them and it looks like I will be on them for the rest of my life.

My mom said it was the hardest thing she ever had to do. She cried every night. Finally during a visit, I told her not to cry anymore, that she did the right thing. While i tmay not be perfect, i still have alot of issues, if she had not hospitalized me I might not be here at all.

Just to give everyone an update. My son was suppose to be home Thursday but do to some unruly behavior on wednesday the dr decided to keep him another 4-6 days. He's now tentavily scheduled to be discharged tomorrow. He's eager to be home an I'm also eager for him to come home yet alil apprehensive. I just don't want things to go back to the way they were with him.

Just to let everyone know, I leave in about an hour to go get my son. He's finally bein discharged today. I want to thank everyone for their support an words of wisdom. I'll be sure to keep ya'll updated on his progress.

Remember to have fun!!

coloring is an excellent way to relieve tension and stress!!

The best to you and your children!!