our 10 yr old son is adhd and gifted with some sensory and muscle strength related issues. 2 years ago, we went through a very difficult time. Anger, meaness, crying, tantrums, etc. We already had the adhd diagnosis. I then, desperate to find an answer, had lots of tests done, and we found out he was suffering from depression. We also found this is common in adhders. "I'm always in trouble and I can't do anything right, so what's the point". Depression in young kids frequently comes out as irritability and aggression. Spencer is now taking Prozac and Wellbutrin, and while still having issues, we can now deal with them, because mentally he can bounce back and learn from mistakes. We also infrequently see a counselor who is versed in adhd. I was able to get him an IEP at school. It's hard because I'm always fighting with the teachers to make sure they follow the concessions as outlined in the IEP, but its made a world of difference for him. He is allowed to read comic books during lectures (so that he can focus and not get bored). The teacher sends him frequently for walks to "deliver" something to another teacher, etc. In the past, he would be disciplined instead. My big fight now is getting my in-laws to understand that ADHD and depression are real, and not the cause of "bad parenting". I told them that the schools don't give IEPs to correct bad parenting, but they just don't get it. If you haven't already, definitely have him checked for depression by a child psychologist (more behavioral than psychiatry) who is well versed in adhd, etc. hang in there...

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