You just described my 7 year old daughter. She was diagnosed with ADHD and has been on Focalin for about a month. Her explosive behavior was there before the medication. I have talked to our therapist, psychatrist and doctor about this. No answers. My doctor recommended a Neuro-psychatrist for brain mapping. I am too searching for answers-

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JESSIESMOM said: I HAVE A 8YR DAUGHTER THAT IS ADHD/ODD AND JUVENILE ONSET BIPOLAR. SHE TAKES 27MG CONCERTA IN THE MORNING AND 15MG SERQUAL AT NIGHT TO HELP HER SLEEP. IF I SAY SIT -SHE STANDS AND SO ON. SHE HAS BEEN UNDER THE CARE OF A THERAPIST FOR 4 YRS NOW. SHE IS NOT DOING WELL IN SCHOOL EVEN THOUGH SHE IS WELL BEHAVED THERE. AT HOME SHE TRIES TO RUN THE HOUSE. FROM THE TIME HER LITTLE FEET HIT THE FLOOR UNTIL SHE GOES TO BED. SHE DOES NOT TAKE HER MORNING MEDS ON THE WEEKEND , AND SHE ACTS LIKE A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN HELD DOWN AND JUST LET LOOSE. YA KNOW , WILD. SHE HAS BEEN YELLING AT ME FOR SOME TIME NOW AND I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET CONTROL OF HER. SHE DOES CRY WHEN IT IS ALL OVER WITH. I JUST HURTS MY HEART TO SEE HER LIKE THIS. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT MIGHT WORK? SHE IS A VERY LOVING LITTLE GIRL WITH A BIG HEART. I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE ANSWERS THAT I NEED FROM HER DOCTORS. THANK YOU

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In response to your problems, I have been through similar situations with my daughter. She is 16 now and it has gotten some better. You need STRUCTURE in her life. I have been to a conselor and that is what he highly suggested. Everything needs to be written down where she can see it. What time to go to bed, bath, homework, etc. They have to see it visual. Telling them over and over they will forget. Post it on the refrigerator where she can see it. A good idea as well is to take things away from her if she does not obey. Start with what she like the most, x-box, playstation, etc. If homework is not done by 7:00 x-box is gone for 1 day or 2 and so forth. This works really well with my daughter. If you need additional info please let me know.

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THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION. I DO KEEP EVERYTHING AT THE SAME TIME OR TRY TO. I NEVER THOUGHT TO WRITE IT DOWN FOR HER, THANKS LAURIE

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My nephew was diagnosed with juvenile onset bipolar disorder at the same age. Is she on any medication for the bipolar disorder? She should be on something for the bipolar disorder before treating the ADHD. If she isn't on anything for the bipolar disorder, I would get a second opinion. Everything I have read and learned indicates that you have to treat the bipolar disorder before treating the ADHD. ADHD meds can make the bipolar worse if it is not being treated first.

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I meant to tell you that we have been seeing a counselor on ADD. If you can find one it helps greatly. He tells you how to discipline, get them to their maturity level, and self esteem. As far as having structure, it needs to be like school. He said these kids need everything visual and structured.

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I agree with Elaine20 about treating the Bi-polar first. THIS IS A MUST! She can have adverse effects from stimulant medication if the bi-polar piece is not in control. Your daughter is suffering so PLEASE get a second opinion. Look on the CHADD website for people in your area or contact them and ask for advise. Yes, structure and writing EVERYTHING down is important. Including her when you put this together is important. It's important that they understand what is at stake. Write down the rules and consequences and post them in clear view. Stick with 5 or less. Too many and they become ineffective. Be gentle with her. Deep inside herself she wants to do right. Keep seeking people who can help. You daughter is worth it. Unforturnately, it can be costly. But if you don't pay the price now - you'll pay a bigger price in the future. GOOD LUCK!!!

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