What medications/therapy have you or anyone you know of tried in managing ADHD symptoms?
I am asking this question for personal reasons.
Here is my story:
My youngest brother has struggled with ADHD since the age of 6. It was diagnosed , and medication was prescribed, however, my father and my brother's mother ( he is my half-brother) never asked for additional supports, IEP, therapy, ALL through my brother's entire school years. He was on and off Ritalin for years. Now after completing two years of College, he is unable to attend. After having a psychotic episode from a Concerta withdrawl , he has not been able to drive a car, attend social activities, and sleeps all day long. He is basically a home body now. He will not talk to me or my other brother, since his psychotic episode because he is embarrased, and feels that anything he tells us we will tell our father. He is scared of treatment since he was put in a psych hospital, and it freaked him out. . He is now on Strattera, but having significant side effects. My father has sent him to a Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Neuro-psychiatrist, and other Specialist. However, since my brother is 22, he is an adult, and I am not sure as to how truthful his reports can be. I also am finding myself thinking their is something else going on, which might or might not be ADHD related.
I'm asking because I really have no other options that have worked. Some of you know that I used to work in the Mental health profession, but when it comes to someone who is a relative, you can't think of them as a client. It's extremely hard on me, as I have felt very guilty. I moved away when he was 6 years old( we are 13 years apart), and my only contact has been visits and phone calls. So, being the big sister, I feel I could have prevented some of this from happening if I was around.
He has had minimal therapy( I have pleaded with my father to get him in there) , has been on Concerta, Ritalin, and now Strattera. He's had MRI's, CT scans, and other work up . All negative. I know that I can only do so much, and that I can't force anyone to do something they don't want, and yata-yata..I am just not ready to call it quits yet.
So, I am asking if any of you have been through, done that, heard about, etc..something like this, and their is a light at the end of this deep, dark tunnel..
Gamma G- Thanks for your response. I thought Schizophrenia as well. No one has confirmed my suspicion yet though. I asked for a med stay at the hospital, too. They as his parents don't want too, or force him to go. I also live in NH, while they live in Fl. He's had a mental health exam, check up, etc. I am sure their might be some hiding about his issues.
He is in a University team at USF( University of South Florida). This issue is getting him treated on the right medicine and therapy. My brother and his mother are not cooperating at times. She doesn't believe he needs medication..It's been a huge issue. I'm surprised I still have hair . So my father, my other brother, myself and his doctors are one team..My brother and his mother-the other..
Jo W. - Thanks girl. I know that as his sister that is pretty much the only thing I can do for him. I just wish their was something else. I have thought about having him come to live with me. If he was under my own roof, I might be able to see what is actually going on..
CAwritermom- Yes, I thought that too. He has had a mental evaluation, psych evaluation. They are all at odds and at a loss for an actual diagnosis..
More Answers
G.B.
answers from
Oklahoma City
on
You know that he needs to be inpatient for nothing more than a med stability check and at the most a complete mental eval. If he had that psychotic break he may have ended up with more than just an ADHD issue. He's at that age where many mental health diagnosis eval's get done for life long mental health issues.
When you were telling his story my mind went to Schizophrenia. He could have developed that while having that psychotic break and if he's paranoid he could just be hiding it well.
He needs to be seen, if you have any contacts still in the field you need to talk to them to see what avenues you can legally pursue. This man needs his life back in the best, most usable way. If you are standing there beside him and checking to make sure he is on the right track then he may feel safer and more able to cope.
He's a grown up, he should not be "freaking out" over being in the hospital a few nights.
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L.A.
answers from
Austin
on
He needs to see his doctor about adjusting his meds.. He is also suffering with depression.. Both of these are due to physiological differences in his body.
Depression saps energy. He is going to fight you ion this, because he has no energy and it takes a lot of effort to make the appointment, go to the appointment and have to explain all of it to a doctor.
IF he will allow you to be his advocate, let him know you are willing to help him get all of this done. which takes a huge commitment..
There is help for him.
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J.W.
answers from
St. Louis
on
He has to want to change, there is just no other way.
The only idea I have is take him as he is, love him as he is and maybe that will guilt him into trying to overcome this. I suck at helping myself but if I think someone I loves needs me to do something I will do it no matter how hard it is.
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M.R.
answers from
Seattle
on
Rae, are the specialists your father sent your brother too, are they working as a team? Would it be possible for those specialists to have a joint family conference to discuss all the viable treatment options? I know when there are young adults like this my husband schedules medical conferences with all specialists you list above so that it is a team approach, and no one is left guessing.
If the specialists involved can not meet up, another possibility is to get your brother into an academic university where joint medical conferences with the specialists are the norm.
My hunch is also that of Schizophrenia, since having a psychotic break goes hand in hand with that diagnosis.
It is very commendable for you to show interest and support and even though your brother will fight and ignore you at times, I imagine deep down he is grateful for your concern and input.
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R.M.
answers from
San Francisco
on
Poor guy. From what I've heard, if you go off an ADHD medication suddenly, it can cause an episode like your brother had. But I'm no expert.
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M.J.
answers from
Sacramento
on
He shouldn't have a psychotic episode going off of medication. All that happens when medication wears off is that the ADHD symptoms return. Some medications can cause anger and high emotions (usually Adderall and Vyvanse) as they wear off, but nothing to the degree of being psychotic. Something that extreme makes me think maybe he shouldn't be on stimulants at all and that something well beyond ADHD is going on.
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A.P.
answers from
Portland
on
There is a book by McBride called Guts and Psychology Syndrome. This is also called the GAPS diet, which you can google and find much information on. This is a radical approach to dealing with psychological and health issues through a temporary (up to 2 year) strict diet protocol which addresses compromised gut issues. You'll find lots of success stories online and a brief outline of the diet, but the book goes far more in depth about "why". There is a light at the end of the tunnel if you just choose a different road....
