Teen boy impulsivity/help

[rutgerjen]

Good morning. My 15 year old son has mild to moderate ADHD. Doing very well in school, but has some impulse behaviors with peers that has always been there and issues with focusing. He is also highly emotional and needs to "vent" to me daily. I want to make sure he is doing this in a healthy manner as he is growing and developing adult relationships. We have done therapy, medications, vitamins, but he feels that the best help for him is for me to listen to him. I try my very best but it is hard to see him suffering in terms of low self esteem, not fitting in and not finding his place all while hormones are going strong. He told me that kids often tell him he is annoying. He is also behind in growth so that also affects him. Please help with any suggestions. He is a sweet caring and sensitive young man with a big heart and I just want him to feel good.

[Willowbee37]

This is my worst fear with my 9yr old as he just doesn’t know when to stop sometimes, I can see it but he can’t. Our pediatrician has always said ADHD boys tend to struggle with finding their place and feeling like “Odd man out” I know you said you’ve used meds, have you tried anxiety meds? ADHD meds? My son struggles with the same and he’s young enough now that it’s not a huge deal but doc has said it tends to blow up in middle school and suggested low dose Zoloft which i haven’t tried. My son is also very sensitive and feels everything deeply. How about working out? I know older ADHD boys tend to get help from lifting and might help find his spot within the gym? Sorry you’re going through this, it’s awful watching them struggle to find their way.

[Mamamichl in reply to Willowbee37]

Although it is awesome that he can come to you, he needs other outlets,like talk therapy. DBT may be a good way for him to get social skills as well. I will be doing that hopefully this summer. Doing CBT right now, which is an umbrella for DBT, but DBt does more specific socialization and emotional regulation skills.

[Mamamichl in reply to Willowbee37]

anxiety meds are a good way to go. I have both adhd meds and anxiety meds. For me the adhd meds help my anxiety (it helps me pick what I focus my thoughts on), but more anxiety is definitely a possible side effect for adhd meds.