Posted by patrickhh on May 16, 2006, at 15:01:51
In reply to Re: Strattera for Our 17 Year Old, posted by Cairo on May 13, 2006, at 10:21:28
> Has he been checked for learning disabilities, auditory processing, language issues, etc.? Problems with these can cause secondary issues with attention.
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> Psychoeducational testing might be appropriate if you suspect difficulties with learning, but you'd need to find someone he can relate to so that he feels that you are working with and for him, rather than against him.
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> Anyone closer to his age that might be able to approach him and have a discussion about what might be bothering him?
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> Cairo
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>In someone this age, you have to look at it from 3 different approaches. 1. Could it be something situational in his life that's leading to the problem. 2. Could it be a mood disorder like Bipolar or Depression. 3. Could it be a learning problem like ADHD.
I really question whether it's ADHD. If it were ADHD he would have had the problems all through elementary school, and they wouldn't have shown up just in the teenage years.
Because he's had obvious rage episodes and anger, and because of his hyperactivity, and lack of focus, I tend to lean more towards bipolar. Has he tried any mood stabilizers? Lithium might be a good shot.
Finally, what's going on in his life? Is he getting along with his peers? Is he having problems at school socially?
What medications is he currently on? Could an SSRI be causing these symptoms by triggering rage or akathisia?
If you're wanting to treat ADHD, I don't think Strattera is the best drug. Strattera works in some, but dopamine seems to be the main culprit in ADHD. Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulants work better.
If these drugs tend to make him worse, then he's obviously bipolar.
poster:patrickhh
thread:641752
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060515/msgs/644805.html