Swings in emotions and ability to cope-new to the group

[macintoshswim]

Hi, I am looking for suggestions on how to handle my 9 year old daughter's emotional pendulum. She is on Focalin and takes an afternoon booster as well. There are times, in the morning and evening mostly, where she absolutely looses it over seemingly insignificant things. She then gets trapped in this loop where she is irritated or sad about something and then thinks about our dog that died or her friend who moved away. This is when the crying and screaming starts. Recovery can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. It seems like the irritating event is an unconscious cue for her to become overwhelmed with emotions. I'm a single parent and it is especially hard for me to handle in the mornings when the screaming starts before 7. She has been in therapy and knows some strategies to refocus her attention elsewhere, but when she is in that state she refuses to try any of the techniques. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

[ADHDmom219]

Hello! When you said “She then gets trapped in this loop where she is irritated or sad about something and then thinks about our dog that died or her friend who moved away” it actually reminded me of my older daughter (almost 11) who has OCD/panic attacks that manifest as tantrums. Not to diagnose your daughter in the slightest, but the thought patterns and reactions sound similar so I was wondering if techniques to manage anxiety/panic in these scenarios might be useful.

[macintoshswim in reply to ADHDmom219]

Thank you. Have you found your daughter to be responsive to techniques to manage her anxiety/panic attacks when she is in that state?

[Elijah1]

Was this behavior occurring before you started Focalin or only afterwards? If the latter, talk to the prescribing doctor about the association.

[macintoshswim in reply to Elijah1]

No, this was the constant pattern before starting the medication and now doesn't happen throughout most of the day, but it still causes stress for everyone in the house.

[Jbernokeits]

Hi there my son is 8 and on vyvanse. He actually had the same exact situation happen at school 4 days ago. He got so upset in class he ran to the guidance counselor and then the nurse but they refused to send him home because they know it’s the medication. He tried harming himself of course unsuccessful. My dr tried increasing dosage but I refused and might try another medication. He’s been on vyvanse for a year with exception of summer. I’m honestly not sure how to approach this and hoping others respond.

[AyeLee3]

Hello, my son is 9 with ADHD, anxiety and sensory issues. When he was tested for ADHD is when we noticed some issues with anxiety as well. He would have meltdowns and say things about hurting himself or fears of something happening to me or him. His therapist suggested we start him on something to help with that to prevent it from escalating. I was hesitant at first and waited a few months before I proceeded. Of course I wanted what was in the best interest of my son so we started with the lowest dose of Zoloft. He takes it at night before bed and it has helped greatly. He no longer talks about self harm or hurting others..doesn't even think about it. The only time he has meltdowns now is when I have to put him on punishment for not making a good choice..like keeping trash in his room etc. Then of course he breaks down crying bc he doesn't want to lose his laptop privileges. But I would recommend you talk it through with your medication management Dr. One thing we did also was have him tested to see what medications would work best based on his genetic makeup..it was just a mouth swab that the Dr sent off. It was like a genetics test that way you eliminate the trial and error with taking medications that don't work and wreck havoc on the child. I wish you all the best!!!