Freshman Son's Struggles With ADHD/Depression

[Cubfanforlife1975]

This is my first post as I'm looking for all the support I can get.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD in March of 2020 just before the world shut down. His teachers had commented about his lack of attention, wandering around the room, and inability to get work done as early as pre-school, but my wife and I thought it was because of his age. It wasn't until he was in 5th grade that we realized it was something more.

Toward the end of 8th grade, he began showing signs of depression. As you know, kids with ADHD are at a greater risk of depression. We began having him see a therapist, and when this alone didn't work, it was recommended that he begin taking an SSRI anti-depressant. So far, we haven't found the right dosage/type/combination of meds that relieve his depression. I've begun to think that maybe we aren't addressing his ADHD symptoms effectively and that may be the source of his depression.

We talked to his psychiatrist about staring a medication specifically to address the ADHD symptoms. She's been very communicative and is helping us decide on what is right for our son. That sad, my son is on two medications for depression, and the addition of a third medication makes me nervous.

I am on pins and needles every day when I pick him up from school, waiting to see what kind of a mood he's in, which assignments haven't been turned in, etc. I'm on pins and needles every time we make a medication change or adjustment...will he sleep, will he eat? Will it work?

I feel as though it's taking a toll on my own mental health, and I don't know what to do. I see a therapist every two weeks, which helps. But in between sessions, I'm on my own.

I'm sure many of you can relate. Does anyone have advice?

#ADHD #ChildrenWithADHD

[Pema20]

Hi there, my daughter is a senior. She was on an antidepressant and a stimulant for a while and didnt have any interactions. Now she’s on the antidepressant and Guanfacine. No interactions and it has helped with mood dysregulation, but has not helped with focus. I think if the psych can find drugs that work well together it’s okay.

This week, day 4 of the school year, she refused to go. I was thinking it would happen sometime, but not this early. When I had to call her out, I realized that calling the school attendance line is now an anxiety trigger for me. All to say, I can so relate to how you feel. I have lost sleep this week. It’s a journey with these kiddos.

[Redpanda5]

Hello I can feel your anxiety and it brought back my anxiety with my daughter!

It’s a long process so I encourage you to stick with it and concentrate on the next right thing to do. This isn't something to fix — it is something to manage.

1. Medication. It took a year just to find the right medication for my daughter for her anxiety and depression. The doctor added a stimulant first (for her adhd) which is quicker acting. After that year of experimentation a good plan fell into place. You just have to stick with it. The most frustrating thing is it can take 8 weeks to know whether an anti depressant is going to work. Just accept that it’s going to take a while. I know it’s hard to watch them struggle in the meantime but overall this is a short period of time in the grand picture of life.

2. I recommend getting into a parent group at a therapist office. Call around. Many practices offer this. It helped me know how to deal with the day to day with her and to hear from other parents

3. If he is willing, get him in with a psychologist with whom he strikes up a rapport. If he’s not willing then wait until the medication has had a chance to work. Forcing him into therapy against his will can have dire consequences.

4. Don’t worry about the number of medications. Let the doctor worry about that. You don’t want to withhold something from him that may help. The psychiatrist is trained in this!

5. Accept this is where you are and celebrate the good days.

You are not alone.

[wiroots]

The school pickup "pins and needles" really resonated with me. Sooo moody. If you'd like to explore some root cause approaches to brain health, check out Dr. Sears' book NDD and James Greenblat's Finally Focused. Interesting stuff about how lifestyle/environment contribute. I think modern teenage lifestyles are a breeding ground for poor mental health. Glad you're getting support for yourself, it's very stressful trying to figure this all out and seeing our children struggle. Hang in there.