Anxiety

[Psteiner]

My 9 year old son has been diagnosed and on medication since he was 4 years old. He is now taking Adderall 10mg. We have noticed an increase in his anxiety. His doctor doesn't feel it is a side effect of the medication. Had anyone experienced this on this medication? What types of interventions for anxiety have been successful?

[Cland0987]

My son has been on Concerta for about two years. He began having anxiety and it became so extreme that he was constantly in fear. It lasted for two weeks before he said that he'd rather be in heaven than feel this way and asked if it would ever go away. His psyciatrist prescribed him Zoloft and the anxiety and depression have completely diminished within a matter of a week or two.

[Psteiner in reply to Cland0987]

Thank you for sharing this. I am glad your son got relief. I didn't know Zoloft was an option for kids. thank you

[Chooser63 in reply to Psteiner]

My son has ADHD- inattentive type. He also has anxiety & a stereotypical movement that is neurological but mimics a tourette’s-like movement. His anxiety became apparent in 4th grade, matched w/a teacher who didn’t get him & crushed his self-esteem. Fifth grade was a horrible year in school- filled w/meltdowns & he finally failed literacy. He received an IEP. During all this he was dxed w/depression. I think hormones in addition to stress brought on the depression. anyway, medication-wise, we started him in November (2016) on guanfacine- a short acting, non stimulant ADHD med that was suppose to help his movement (he was 11 then). We noticed little difference. B/c he tolerated the med well we switched to long acting. This gave him suicidal thoughts. We then started on Zoloft- has Pediatric indication, again, suicidal thoughts. To avoid another scenario like this, Psychiatrist recommended a genetic test to indicate what he would be responsive to & what would be problematic. Test was spot on (Genomind). He’s now in Cymbalta -made a big difference however, it doesn’t help the ADHD but I’m very concerned about adding another med. He does still have meltdowns, he just had one & wr @ a Boy Scout function! He sees a psychologist outside of school (we have new one) as well as one @ school. But I need parenting tips as well as patience. I will add he is now 12 & has a VERY dominant tomboy twin sister who has ADHD - very hyper. She often antagonizes him & is seeking attention. It is awful. She is not on medication- doing very well in school. (W/IEP, he is doing well in school too.) problems r behaviorial w/both- sometimes together, sometimes separately. He has a behaviorism plan at school. Any tips/advice/references r greatly appreciated.. I highly recommend Genomind test before medicating if ur child has had suicidsl thoughts.

[SummerAjami]

Hi my son takes 10 mg to a day he good in the morning but when it hits 12:00 p.m he get Impulsive disrespectful to the students and teachers this is by far the hardest have to go through because any mistake he makes it’s an automatic suspension for him he’s in eighth grade so much pressure I wish there was better ways for the school board in dealing with ADHD children and handling it