Hi everyone!
I am new here and am in need of some advice. My 8 yr old son was diagnosed with ADD about a year ago. He was on adderall at first. It seemed to work great for the first few months. Then his appetite disappeared and he began having MAJOR mood swings! One minute he would be happy and laughing and the next minute crying uncontrollably. He started to really talk back and be mean to his sister. We switched him to metadate about 4 months ago. It seems to be working, but my concern is his attitude. He will get mouthy and ignore what you are saying. Lately, he has been really rude. He will blatently lie to your face. We have to tell him numerous times to do what he has been told. He will get mad at you and then start to sulk or lash out at his sister. The other day he was angry with me because he had to clean up his room and his sister went to give him one of his things and he tried to shut the door on her. We do not accept violence in our home at all. We try to solve everything rationally and not in anger. We have taken away privaleges, removed his t.v and stereo from his room. Tried rewarding him when he shows good behavior. He plays sports and the only reason we havent stopped this is because he truly benefits from this outlet. I am at my wits end. Is this him just trying to assert himself or could this be his medicine? I just dont know. Sometimes he is my sweet boy, and sometimes he is a complete brat.

From what I have heard (no medical proof at all, this is just from talking around) some ADHD meds can bring out mood changes. From what I hear, you have to find the right one for him at the right doseage. This can take a real long time while he gets used to it and until they can pinpoint the right doseage.

Continue with not tolerating that behavior. Work to correct it both medically and enviromentally. Some kids seem to have mood changes occur at about that time. I know Mine did and do. Make sure he knows you aren't playing around. Talk to your doctor. Also remember that he is adjusting to being call ADD too. I have a hard time figuring out what that means as an adult and I can see how a child could have a hard time coming to terms with that too. You don't want him to feel damaged or any less of a person because of his ADD. He already has a good start on it with loving parents that care and want to help him. Some of us on this site didn't have that early detection or sympathetic parents when we were his age and most of us can tell you how bad it messed us up and how we are still dealing with it well into middle age. You are doing what is best for him. He may not see it now, but believe me, you are. Keep up the good work. Talk to the Doctors and maybe a psychologist. Try having him talk to the counselor in school about anger issues. We did that, but it can have mixed results.

No one said it was easy. Take a deep breath and know you are on the narrow path and doing a great job.