opinion

[Sumaal]

Hello. I have my 8 y/o daughter who is currently on Focalin 20 mg and Prozac 20 mg. Prozac was increased 2 wks ago to 20 mg. Her mood got worse and she wrote a suicidal note. Prior to this, iPad was taken away and she got a knife and threaten to end her life. She didn’t go throw with this. I’ve reached out to he psychiatrist. He increased her Focalin to 30 mg and if her mood has not improved, Prozac will be increased as well. I am aware some people experience an increase of suicidal thought or self harm. I’m looking into a second opinion at this point. I’ve outreached the Amen clinic. They offer scanning of the brain in order to verify what type of ADHD she has and then do the proper treatment. However, this cost $5,000. They do not accept any health insurance. I need some input or guidance please. I really want to help my daughter. It hurts me to see her struggling. Thank you.

[BLC89]

Hello Sumaal,I'm so sorry you are going thru this, that sounds very scary.

There are no brain scans that determine what type of ADHD you have.

Amen claims all sorts of knowledge because they've done thousands of scans. It is all correlation not causation - very big difference.

They are drawing conclusions only because they know the brains they are looking at have ADHD. They can't tell just from the brain scan that you have ADHD. If they looked at a bunch of brain scans and had to guess which were ADHD and which were not they couldn't.

From what I've read and been taught and experienced (prior to the reading and the learning) they are fancy snake oil salesmen.

We went to the Amend clinic and didn't learn much except that my son had "brain damage" from concussions. An idea he solidly hangs onto even though other science tells us the brain never stops growing and changing - as long as you give it exercise - and as a teenager the "brain damage" will likely be repaired and/or positively impacted by the brains amazing ability to heal and its plasticity.

They 'prescribed' supplements and that's about it. I wouldn't recommend spending the money.

It sounds like your daughter is sensitive to medications and maybe there is a better fit without the suicidal side effects.

I would get a second opinion from a different psychiatrist who has more ideas besides just upping the meds, her reactions sound severe and for someone so young very scary.

I hope that helps.

BLC88

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD.

[Sumaal in reply to BLC89]

Thank you for the advice. Honestly, I feel apprehensive about the Amen clinic and their scan. I do believe a combination of supplements along with medications should help. But most definitely, I feel that the Prozac is being the issue here. So far, I’ve cut the Prozac dosage and my daughter seems to be more in control and happy. I am being vigilant with her.

I am waiting for the referral approval for a new psychiatrist and therapist. We were able and I obtain an extension for her wrap around therapy. Thank you again for your assistance.

[BLC89 in reply to Sumaal]

Sumaal,Good for you for going with your gut and cutting the Prozac. One anti depressant that works well with ADHD meds is Wellbutrin. Prozac is an SSRI type anti depressant and those don't work as well with ADHD meds as NDRIs (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors - Wellbutrin)

May I suggest you look for a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) that method has been found most impactful because it focuses on changing your thinking not just talking. If your looking for therapy as well as a psychiatrist to prescibe meds.

Good luck with everything,

BLC89

[Onthemove1971 in reply to BLC89]

Our son is taking Wellbutrin and IA doing very well. He also takes Guafacine, both together are helpful. He also needs thearpy and a 504 plan to really be successful. I agree getting a child Psychiatrist was key for us.

Best of luck

[MomofTwin]

I’m sorry you are going through this. One idea to consider is to have your doctor order a genesight testing kit. You do a cheek swab, mail it in and in a few days get a report back of what medication may or may not be compatible. For us, it showed that my child was unstable on Zoloft and better off on Prozac but only at very low dose. 5 mg. It also covers ADHD meds. Like medication, the test may not be reliable for everyone, but is a starting place. Insurance covered it for us. Out of pocket I think it about $300. Hang in there.

[Sumaal in reply to MomofTwin]

Thank you for the information regarding the medication testing. I am going to ask about this. I am not fond of Prozac as I’ve known people who were on this and had more SI and self harm issues. I am taking upon myself to titrate the dosage and my daughter is feeling better and less erratic. I’m keeping a close eye and make her express herself. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge.

[Benaware]

Hello Sumaal, wow that’s terribly what’s happening with your daughter. My prayers are with you.

I know the pain it cost to see our children suffer. My son a few years ago had suicidal thoughts as well. He was 5 at the time. I felt devastated. I started searching for ways to help me. I personally didn’t feel right to give my child medication at such a young age. So I decided to give him natural supplements. I starter giving him Amen supplements ( attention support and gaba) also I gave him kids neurovite and omega. Those suicidal thoughts started to disappear which I was so grateful they went way.

Recently I changed the supplements for Hardy’s DEN supplements. They are working but the only problem he needs to take 12 capsules a day to have maximum effect. My son doesn’t like taking that many. So I may go back to Amen’s supplements.

I hope this help. Hang in there. you are doing the right thing by asking for help and being your daughter’s advocate. I hope things get better for your daughter.

[Mamamichl]

I remember having those thoughts as a kid. It’s partially rejection sensitivity disphoria and partially having extreme emotions. You can watch how to adhd with her and openly discuss about things. This may help her feel validated. Also, daily meditation helps. My 9yo started saying these things too. It seems to be a side effect of being exposed to so much, they are able to express these so extremely.

[Elijah1]

Agree that Amen clinic testing will not be helpful. A good history provides more information.

Sounds like the Prozac was likely causing activation so weaning makes sense. This does not mean that another SSRI won't be helpful. Discuss options with the prescribing doctor (whoever you end up choosing).

[Tiredagain1]

Ditch the Prozac now. It sent our son into a rage. Talk to Child Psychiatry about Abilify (aripiprazole is the generic).