Hey y'all from the deep South, yep, noob here to this forum but not to forums in general. I have been lurking (obsessively) as a guest for a while now and sincerely believe I am the right place :)...yet it has taken me 4 days to work up the nerve to register and, finally, post.

For 10 years I have been a woman in strong denial about my 10 year old daughter, which is odd and out of character for me as a former "professional mental patient" :rolleyes: I am sure many here will understand that title. I will elaborate, a typical behavior for me.

It became apparent right from the beginning that this particular child, my third, was different from her 2 older sisters. On one hand, the child is brilliant! In her favor, she is a certified genius, just like Momma and Uncle. Her verbal abilies were quite simply astounding...and shortly after becoming highly verbal, she became a skillful debater. ~deep sigh here~

OTOH it took her a full 7 years to process the concept that one shuts a door behind them when going in or out, even in highly inclement weather. While her grades and PACT scores soared off the charts, the location of her pencil constantly eluded her. Due to some difficult emotional occurances in her life (which I will no doubt expand upon at a later date) I insisted she get some form of therapy...and so it began. She exhibits extreme anxiety when confronted with (insert issue), and since this involves what geneticists would call her "father" (I use that term very loosely myself :mad: however) she was determined to be depressed and prescribed Zoloft.

She totally refused to take it after the reasonable amount of time to feel effects "Mom, this is bad stuff, I don't need this!!" and on to the next therapist, who came for a home visit and mentioned ADHD. Blew my denial right to smithereens. No way to deny it, especially after I realised that I myself was using the term "Einstein Syndrome" to describe her room (the Swamp), her thoroughly disorganised bookbags, the glaring evidence when put together in one place indicated that she would lose her own backside if it were not firmly attached, and she could not seem to even find that part of her anatomy, even with both hands, a map and a flashlight :D.

And off the new psychiatrist we went, mother and daughter, and what a gem he seems. Wonderful man. Immediate reassurances for both of us :)...and then he wanted to speak to me alone. I saw nothing unusual about that, then he took me to the computer and showed me a website, and very kindly yet firmly asked me please visit it and take the adult ADD test...noooooooooooooooooo!! LOL. Then he handed me an RX for the kid, 10 or 20 mgs. Adderal XR, trusting that I would be competent to determine proper dosage and whether or not it was "doing the job" or not.

It is now 2 weeks later. I am not certain that the Adderal XR is what she needs, I do not know quite what to look for since most of the time she is at school. I am hopeful someone here can direct me on that issue. She does have some improvement :). Much to my amazement, she was able to describe the thought that came before an impulsive action she took, understand my concern and sympathising with my distress, and best off all, not only did she NOT totally flip out, she assisted in determining her sanctions for said behavior, declaring them to be fair and appropriate to the action she took. WOW!

Oh, and I did take that online quiz! While I know it is no substitute for a psychiatric evaluation, I was amazingly relieved to see the results "ADD Nonattentive Highly Probable". AH HAH! Now this might actually explain why some of my antidepressant medications have caused some symptoms to become worse instead of better!! I fully intend to see this man myself. I feel like I have been handed a life preserver while drowning, but she comes first, always. I MUST get her meds straight before I even attempt to mess around with my own.

And for the record? My results floored me too, even as I felt that little lightbulb go off over my head, because I sincerely thought just anybody did/felt this stuff :o...and as she looked over my shoulder at my results, my newly diagnosed ADHD genius just laughed and laughed..."OMG Momma! I could have told you that myself! In so many ways, you are just like me. You really didn't know?".

Naturally I have more to say since words are flowing for me right now, but I had best start another thread instead of writing like my brain runs. I reckon that would make things worse for many people here if I did so ;).

If I have posted this in the wrong forum, will some kind mod please move, edit or merge this properly? TIA and VERY glad to have found y'all!

welcome to the forums :-)

Oh crazy_feet....story of my life! LOL My son is highly intelligent and verbal...skillful debater???? We figure he'll make a GREAT attorney one day! He didn't have problems in school until middle/high school as responsibilities and freedoms increased. As we did research for him, found that ....ta dah! Mom has issues too! Hubby sent me to the doc since he's had to live with me for 18 years and always wondered why I just didn't get it! LOL Soooo....I started Strattera last week, and son is in process of diagnosis (ruling other stuff out with EEG, bloodwork, etc). He'll probably start meds soon. The sad part is that I grew up in a household with ADHD (my brother)....and a psychologist mom who is also ADD. And how did we not know that I had issues too? What really kills me is that my mom suggested we have my son tested when he was in first grade or so, and we blew her off since he's nothing like my ADHD brother....he was an excellent student, could focus to watch a movie or play a game....I just had a mental picture that ADHD looks like my brother...and didn't understand that ADHD can appear VERY different in different people. But as my son's doc said the other day....worrying about that doesn't help Jake now. So, onward with no looking back. Good luck to you too!

Oh crazy_feet....story of my life! LOL My son is highly intelligent and verbal...skillful debater???? We figure he'll make a GREAT attorney one day! He didn't have problems in school until middle/high school as responsibilities and freedoms increased. As we did research for him, found that ....ta dah! Mom has issues too! Hubby sent me to the doc since he's had to live with me for 18 years and always wondered why I just didn't get it! LOL Soooo....I started Strattera last week, and son is in process of diagnosis (ruling other stuff out with EEG, bloodwork, etc). He'll probably start meds soon. The sad part is that I grew up in a household with ADHD (my brother)....and a psychologist mom who is also ADD. And how did we not know that I had issues too? What really kills me is that my mom suggested we have my son tested when he was in first grade or so, and we blew her off since he's nothing like my ADHD brother....he was an excellent student, could focus to watch a movie or play a game....I just had a mental picture that ADHD looks like my brother...and didn't understand that ADHD can appear VERY different in different people. But as my son's doc said the other day....worrying about that doesn't help Jake now. So, onward with no looking back. Good luck to you too!How nice to find a kindred spirit :). I agree...onward, and upward, for all 4 of us!

Hi Crazy Feet,

You are so not alone in your experiences. I am newly diagnosed as an adult after it was suggested that my daughter be evaluated for ADHD. It is certainly a relief to finally understand myself. I have been officially diagnosed but we go to for a second appointment for my daughter's evaluation today. We'll see what they say. Since she (like your dd) has a very high IQ (top 1%) as well learning disabilities we're taking our time figuring out what is the best approach for her. I hear you about the verbal skills! And it's not just about saying the words either...she has always been able to express pretty complex concepts. Debating? Um..I can possibly see that in her. She certainly can make logical arguements in her favor more often than not. And boy, why can these kids remember every word you have ever said that will support their assertion while forgetting everything else I will never understand...heck, I don't understand how I can do it!

I also lived in SC -- Greenville and Charleston for a few years. Loved it!

Welcome!

Crazy~Feet

Adderall is the top-of-the line in adhd treatment. The effect you should see is an improvement in focusing ability, concentration, and possible improvements in organization and social interraction.

The biggie to look for is an improvement in her ability to control what she is focused on.
When that improves, everything else ought to begin to fall into place, in time.

ME :D



Hey y'all from the deep South, yep, noob here to this forum but not to forums in general. I have been lurking (obsessively) as a guest for a while now and sincerely believe I am the right place :)...yet it has taken me 4 days to work up the nerve to register and, finally, post.

For 10 years I have been a woman in strong denial about my 10 year old daughter, which is odd and out of character for me as a former "professional mental patient" :rolleyes: I am sure many here will understand that title. I will elaborate, a typical behavior for me.

It became apparent right from the beginning that this particular child, my third, was different from her 2 older sisters. On one hand, the child is brilliant! In her favor, she is a certified genius, just like Momma and Uncle. Her verbal abilies were quite simply astounding...and shortly after becoming highly verbal, she became a skillful debater. ~deep sigh here~

OTOH it took her a full 7 years to process the concept that one shuts a door behind them when going in or out, even in highly inclement weather. While her grades and PACT scores soared off the charts, the location of her pencil constantly eluded her. Due to some difficult emotional occurances in her life (which I will no doubt expand upon at a later date) I insisted she get some form of therapy...and so it began. She exhibits extreme anxiety when confronted with (insert issue), and since this involves what geneticists would call her "father" (I use that term very loosely myself :mad: however) she was determined to be depressed and prescribed Zoloft.

She totally refused to take it after the reasonable amount of time to feel effects "Mom, this is bad stuff, I don't need this!!" and on to the next therapist, who came for a home visit and mentioned ADHD. Blew my denial right to smithereens. No way to deny it, especially after I realised that I myself was using the term "Einstein Syndrome" to describe her room (the Swamp), her thoroughly disorganised bookbags, the glaring evidence when put together in one place indicated that she would lose her own backside if it were not firmly attached, and she could not seem to even find that part of her anatomy, even with both hands, a map and a flashlight :D.

And off the new psychiatrist we went, mother and daughter, and what a gem he seems. Wonderful man. Immediate reassurances for both of us :)...and then he wanted to speak to me alone. I saw nothing unusual about that, then he took me to the computer and showed me a website, and very kindly yet firmly asked me please visit it and take the adult ADD test...noooooooooooooooooo!! LOL. Then he handed me an RX for the kid, 10 or 20 mgs. Adderal XR, trusting that I would be competent to determine proper dosage and whether or not it was "doing the job" or not.

It is now 2 weeks later. I am not certain that the Adderal XR is what she needs, I do not know quite what to look for since most of the time she is at school. I am hopeful someone here can direct me on that issue. She does have some improvement :). Much to my amazement, she was able to describe the thought that came before an impulsive action she took, understand my concern and sympathising with my distress, and best off all, not only did she NOT totally flip out, she assisted in determining her sanctions for said behavior, declaring them to be fair and appropriate to the action she took. WOW!

Oh, and I did take that online quiz! While I know it is no substitute for a psychiatric evaluation, I was amazingly relieved to see the results "ADD Nonattentive Highly Probable". AH HAH! Now this might actually explain why some of my antidepressant medications have caused some symptoms to become worse instead of better!! I fully intend to see this man myself. I feel like I have been handed a life preserver while drowning, but she comes first, always. I MUST get her meds straight before I even attempt to mess around with my own.

And for the record? My results floored me too, even as I felt that little lightbulb go off over my head, because I sincerely thought just anybody did/felt this stuff :o...and as she looked over my shoulder at my results, my newly diagnosed ADHD genius just laughed and laughed..."OMG Momma! I could have told you that myself! In so many ways, you are just like me. You really didn't know?".

Naturally I have more to say since words are flowing for me right now, but I had best start another thread instead of writing like my brain runs. I reckon that would make things worse for many people here if I did so ;).

If I have posted this in the wrong forum, will some kind mod please move, edit or merge this properly? TIA and VERY glad to have found y'all!

Crazy~Feet

Adderall is the top-of-the line in adhd treatment. The effect you should see is an improvement in focusing ability, concentration, and possible improvements in organization and social interraction.

The biggie is the ability to control what she is focused on.

ME :DThank you sooooo much Speedo! In which case I was correct in calling the clinic this morning and upping her dose. All I can detect is some improvement in "what thought came before the impulse" (this she can tell me, as long as the meds are in affect) yet the impulsivity continues. The teachers notice no improvement at all.
She has been upped to 30 mgs. AM now. I was prepared for this since it is unknown whether to treat her as a child (which she certainly is by counting years lived) or as an adult (which weight, height, and um, physical maturity ;)) would indicate.

You might not get total control of the symptoms. The bottom line is, "is it better ?"
It can vary a lot from one individual to another.

ME :D

Thank you sooooo much Speedo! In which case I was correct in calling the clinic this morning and upping her dose. All I can detect is some improvement in "what thought came before the impulse" (this she can tell me, as long as the meds are in affect) yet the impulsivity continues. The teachers notice no improvement at all.
She has been upped to 30 mgs. AM now. I was prepared for this since it is unknown whether to treat her as a child (which she certainly is by counting years lived) or as an adult (which weight, height, and um, physical maturity ;)) would indicate.

You might not get total control of the symptoms. The bottom line is, "is it better ?"
It can vary a lot from one individual to another.

ME :DGotcha ;) and of all her symptoms only one has improved at all and slightly at that.

So no, the poor kid cannot focus at school.

Sometimes different meds work better or worse for different people. Some people swear by one med while other think it should be off the market, but thinks this other med is just dandy. The side effects you descibed were ones my son had when he first started meds, but after a week or two went away. Just keep track of them so you can tell the doc what you are seeing.You may want to talk to your doc about trying another type of ADHD med if you don't see results with proper increases for her height and weight, or see side effects that get worse rather then going away.
Wishing you the best of luck,
Jme

Crazy feet,

Just thought of this...because right now you are focused on your dd. You should consider going ahead and getting treatment for yourself. Apparently children's symptoms can be exacerbated by an undiagnosed/untreated ADHD parent.

Hope all's well.

Michelle

Crazy feet,

Just thought of this...because right now you are focused on your dd. You should consider going ahead and getting treatment for yourself. Apparently children's symptoms can be exacerbated by an undiagnosed/untreated ADHD parent.

Hope all's well.

Michelle

Thanks SeaShelle!

I have an appt. for intake on the 24th and will be at least talking to a therapist. The psych is backed up so I will have a wait until I can get an RX. DD's caseworker knows and is assisting (she is one of us too!). She sees her twice a week at school.

Its a valid concern and as an inattentive I could obsess about it and feel terribly guilty and all that goes with it.

In one way we make each other worse at times, but at least we know why it happens. Other times we seem to be the only 2 people on Earth who understand each other. Nobody can understand this rapid-talking thing when we get rolling, but we always understand. Plus we have started the humor aspect "So, what was your worst ADD moment today?" LOL.

Thanks so much for your concern because it is one of my worst fears, that I make her worse.

That's great that you have an appointment. I understand about the guilt, too. I know that my ADHD affected my daughter -- sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way. At least you do undertand each other. It's nice because I get to tell her that she has a brain just like mommy's and we're wonderful :).

Take care and let us know how it all goes. We just got the official diagnosis for dd this past Monday. I knew it was coming but it just hit me harder than I expected. It just felt bad that she is going to have to battle this along with everything else.

Heh, im that child that you have, with the genius level IQ, that did debate, when they are 20 years old, or at least one of hte cases of that. Welcome to the forum crazy and glad you could make it. Ive enjoyed your comments so far from what ive seen and its nice to have you on the forum. If you have any questions regarding a child like that (i am sever ADHD combined, whats your kids diagnosis?), i would be more than welcome to respond to them, give you advice on what to do and not do as a parent from what is good and bad my parents have done.

Welcome to the forums! The ADHD could explain a lot. According to Tom Brown (just heard him lecture in Orlando at ADDA), 70+ % of adults with ADHD have another diagnosis or two (six times more likely than in the non ADD population). According to Brown ADD isn't incidential to this -- it's more like an umbrella underwhich they all fall. It effects all of them kind of like a conductor effects all the members of the orchestra. He discusses all this in his book Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults.

I know that for me my depression and anxiety cleared up with my ADHD medication and therapy without having to add any other medication (although in some cases that is also needed).

Good luck and keep up updated!
Scattered