Hi. I am new to this website. I have an 39yr old husband who is ADD and OCD, a 14 yr old son who "the latest diagnosis" is back to ODD, ADHD, and Depression, and a 8 yr old who is starting to show signs of hyperactivity. I have been in and out of counseling with my 14 yr old since he was 3. At age of 3 he was diagnosed ODD! He has bounced between ODD, ADD, ADHD, BORDERLINE PERSONALITY and BIPOLAR. It just depends on the Doctor. I can't say that we have it all figured out... My son has been on and off medication since he was 5 yrs old. We have tried them all!!!! Adderall, Metadate, Straterra, Concerta, Lexapro, Depakote, the NEWEST one is Vyvanse. My son wanted to try the Daytrana Patch but my Wellmark BC/BS insurance wouldn't pay for it because "he can swallow a pill"!!!!! The best advice I can give you is don't give up. Keep going to different Dr until you find one that you feel is helping. Some people call that Dr shopping but really with a child that is ADHD it isn't. You need to find someone who is going to be flexible, knowledgable and willing to try different things. One big thing to remember is 1 MEDICATION WILL NOT WORK FOR ALL KIDS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T WORK FOR THAT LONG!! I have found that some medication will work for a while and then stop working as well. Keep trying to find the right Dr. I wish I could say it gets easier but it hasn't for us yet. It is a never ending battle. But I LOVE my child with all of his attitudes because I can see the child that is in him fighting to come out for good... I do see that child every now and then. But them brief moments are worth the wait. (Most of the time) They keep you reaching for that goal!!! Good Luck Rhonda

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I can imagine your frustration in what the doctor told you. I hope she gave you more information than just telling you that your son has anxiety, though! Was this person a diagnostician only? I've had experience with them, and compared with psychiatrists that work in the field, there can be quite a difference in opinion at times.

Clinical Anxiety is a serious condition, however, that shouldn't be confused with just "nerves/jitters/being scared, etc." When I looked at a checklist that showed the symptoms of clinical anxiety next to those of ADHD, I was surprised by the similarities. In addition to educating you on anxiety and how you might see it in your son, did she have a plan for treating him?! I have seen people make it through anxiety, learn exercises/management techniques and more, but in my personal experience, I've yet to see someone even "grow out" of ADHD.

I am one of 5 in my family with ADHD! I have heard all kinds of things that I've disagreed with over the years - and I have tried to learn everything I could about the condition or idea presented. I brought the info to our pediatrician or psych, and I either felt better about my information, or about theirs. I hope so much that you have a professional that you trust, or can work with and grow to trust later. If you share more on the board we'll be watching!

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