NickAbbeysmom,

Have you asked your pediatrician or psychiatrist/psychologist about the nightmares? They may have some ideas.

You might also want to read up on child onset bipolar disorder. My nephew had nightmares and terrible temper tantrums and had been diagnosed with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. He was put on medication for his ADHD but it didn't help a whole lot, especially with his extreme behavior issues. Finally, at age 8 he was diagnosed with child onset bipolar disorder and put on medication that included a mood stabilizer. He is 18 now and doing great. He also had ADHD but since the meds hadn't helped him the first time they tried, they forgot about that. It wasn't until much later that he was re-diagnosed with the ADHD in addition to the bipolar disorder. He was very intelligent and home schooled for quite a while so the ADHD wasn't as noticeable.

ADHD frequently occurs with child onset bipolar disorder and some of the symptoms are nightmares (esp. night terrors), extreme separation anxiety and extreme temper tantrums. He may not have it but it is something to consider, especially if the medication doesn't help or makes him worse. For many years it was believed that bipolar disorder did not show up until late adolescence or adulthood. Some psychiatrists don't belieive in it or are not trained to recognize it since it is not listed in the official DSM-IV. The expression of bipolar disorder in children is different than the adult versions. The book that is most often recommended to parents is called "The Bipolar Child" by Dimitri Papolos. You can always check your library to see if they have the book. And even if the library doesn't have it, they can make a special request from other libraries in the state or elsewhere if you ask them. Of course, you can buy it, but if you just want to look into the possibility, check out your library.

I'm sorry that I don't have any particular behavior tips for you. My children have the inattentive type of ADHD so I didn't happen to have any of those particular issues. There is a book out that includes several chapters on specific ways to discipline a child with ADHD, since what may work well for children without ADHD does not usually work as well for those with ADHD. It is called, "All about Attention Deficit Disorder" by Thomas Phelan. He is well known for his parenting advice in the book, "1,2,3 Magic". But the ADD book has advice that is geared towards those children with ADHD.

I hope I was able to be of some help. Good luck!

Elaine

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Thanks Elaine for the advice. We spoke to the pedi about the nightmares and she said that they are real and scary to him. She suggested using a favorite stuff animal to "protect" him from the nightmares. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't.

The bipolar is something to look into but the doctor who diagnosed him didn't mention that. I did ask him about any comorbidities such as any pscychological disorders and he said no. He did tell me that my son has anxiety but he wouldn't call it an anxiety disorder yet. It was something we would watch. I'm hoping the meds will help with that too. He thinks he might have a learning disability with reading and writing but its too soon to tell. Once he starts kindergarten we'll have more of an idea.

I've read a lot of books and researched a lot on the internet but it's soo overwhelming. There is may things on how bad meds are and there are just as many on how wonderful meds are. Botton line is that its an individual thing. All I know is that we're in for a long road. I have two other children. My daughter is 4 1/2 and a son who is 3 months. I swear my 3 month old had it in utero! LOL. So for now I just watch them and when it comes time I'm sure they will be tested too. Despite the objections of family members! I'm just glad that we have a diagnosis and that there is help for him. I know it won't cure him and I know there will be struggles but at least he's not facing this alone.

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Here's an interesting story about the links between ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia in children: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/689.html

And some expert advice about falling and staying asleep: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/757.html

Finally, some bedtime Dos and Don't that might help: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1697.html

Good luck!

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When you try medication, you might be surprised on how it works with the temper tantrums.

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