This mother,

I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Keep in mind that if a child's response to stimulant medication is extreme irritability and aggression, there could be another comorbidity. A stimulant medication can unmask depression in a child or teenager, causing aggression. Untreated anxiety can also make a child more irritable when put on stimulant medication. And if a child has bipolar disorder (which most doctors are not very capable of diagnosing childhood onset bipolar disorder), stimulant medication will make him worse, extremely irritable and aggressive.

Recently I met a woman who was having numerous problems with her 11 year old son. He got worse on Ritalin including nightmares, and she was going crazy dealing with him. Also getting calls from the school quite frequently. She was very concerned and beside herself. They had also been to several doctors and psychiatrists but none seemed able to help them. I felt like he might have something else besides ADHD and I urged her to take her son to our doctor (who truly has a gift when it comes to solving difficult cases). It turned out he was indeed bipolar in addition to ADHD. My sister had similar problems with her son years ago. He was also diagnosed with ADHD but medication made him worse. It took 1 to 2 years and several doctors later before they finally received the diagnosis of childhood onset bipolar disorder. He was 8 years old at the time. He is now 18 and doing fine. (He also had ADHD in addition to the bipolar disorder). I would suggest you check out the book "The Bipolar Child" by Demitri Papolos, MD and Janice Papolos. There is a new edition out in paperback that just came out in 2007. My sister said that when she read the book she was amazed at the similarities with her son. Even if he doesn't have it, you will at least rule that out.

If you lived in Florida, I would suggest checking out my doctor. Otherwise, see if you can find a child psychiatrist who is very knowledgeable about ADHD and other childhood comorbidities. It never ceases to amaze me how numerous doctors can miss a psychiatric disorder. Unfortunately, people can sometimes go years without receiving the proper diagnosis. My husband had seen quite a few psychiatrists and even been in a mental hospital and wasn't properly diagnosed. What a difference the right diagnosis and corresponding treatment can make.

You have to be proactive when it comes to your health, especially mental health. If you live near a university, you may be able to find better professionals who are up to date on the latest info and knowledge. Good luck. I hope you will be able to find an answer soon.

Elaine

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I also have problems with my 15 year old son not being able to take stimulants. Where in Florida is your dr located? I would like to see if I can get my son into see him. Thanks alot; Sue

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Sue,

The doctor we use is in Okeechobee, Florida (the northern part of Lake Okeechobee). We live just west of West Palm Beach and it takes us an hour's drive but he is well worth the drive. He really cares about his patients and he likes to deal with complex problems. They don't bother him. In fact, he has treated a lot of patients, who are classified as extremely difficult by mental health professionals, with great success. He knows his ADHD and many of the comorbidities that often accompany it, and keeps up on the latest research. His name is Dr. Leland Heller and he also has a website at www.biologicalunhappiness.com

Elaine

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