My son is 16. He was diagnosed ADHD and ODD. He was on ritalin for 6 years but we had to take him off it because he got very aggressive. He has been on Depakote and Wellbutrin for 2 years. In the past 6 months, he has showed marked improvement. He has been behaving well in most of his classes (two teachers commetn that he needs to spend more time "on task" but the others say he is doing fine.) The doctor recently cut his depakote in half and he has not acted up since then- over 2 weeks ago. I'm hoping. DO kids outgrow ADHD and ODD?

claudia.... i don't know for sure, but from what i've read.... nope sorry.
altho i hafta say that i do believe that as we age we find ways to deal with 'it' better. almost like we learn how to work the system or to (godforbid) conform to the expectations fo society.
i think there is alot that can be said for MATURITY ;)
xoxo
chris

I honestly do not see any sign's that I am out growing my ADHD what I do see is that I am better arming myself with knowledge so that I can combat a lot of the issue's related to ADD/ADHD.

Perhap's your son is starting to apply what he has learned about himself thru the year's. I would say take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Sound's like you raised an intelligent young man who is only applying his life lesson's to make sure he does not repeat past mistake's. It gives me a lot of hope with my own two children both ADD/ADHD. Hopefully, they to will aquire the knowledge to succeed in life.

Hugs,
cherity

Recognition is the key

We can not out grow what we are but we can recognise the areas in life that are problems for us (or more so for the Linear Thinkers) in our life and find coping mechanisums for those areas.

Will a Dark skinned baby outgrow his colour and be white skinned someday ?????



Nor shall we outgrow who and what we are, but we will learn to love ,accept and embrase the gifts that we have been given, with the knowlege that we pay a hefty price for them.

I agree ... some kids become less "hyper" as they age, but I think it's mostly a question of learning coping mechanisms. That said, there are a lot of hormonal fluctuations in the teenage years, and maybe (crossing fingers) the worst of the ODD has passed. If you do ever decide to try stopping the meds, watch him closely. He may start having trouble again, and if that happens, you can start the meds back up.

Just because AD/HD doesn't go away doesn't mean those with AD/HD can't live happy productive lives with it.

If he find areas where he can use his strengths instead of mainly trying to focus on improving his weaknesses he can do great. Maybe that is what's going on in school this year maybe he really clicks with the teachers.

Thanks everybody. I guess I'll just see what happens :D