Well, I finally was able to get her into the doctor a couple weeks ago. I got a call then from the doc, pestering me(I felt) of why didn't I have Sara on meds for ADD--because, I said, I felt she didn't need them. And technically, she didn't. Also the people at her schools agreed with me. But it wasn't a good time to feel pressured. I guess the prozac should help with that, too...although I'm still leary of that drug myself(I had developed some problems as a result of being on it--hoping she doesn't have much-if any-trouble with it).
Also, I met up with her spec. ed teacher, the school psychologist, & the school counselor--they backed up my decision originally to not put her on anything for the ADD, but also now know my concerns about the drug she is on, and will be keeping an eye out for any reaction that doesn't seem right. She has so greatly improved in some of her school work, and that was before this had happened. It does have a bit to do with the teacher(last year, she struggled daily in math, and ended with a hard-won C-; this year, she has an A), but it also seems that she wasn't challenged enough in some areas. And if she doesn't find the class "interesting", well...her grade isn't so great. That kind of stuff is understandable to me. No need for meds. But the doctor says that depression can be tied with ADD, so we're trying it. I sometimes wonder if just because they told her she was, if that didn't make it harder/worse for her....???
Anyways, her dosage was upped this week, and the doc thinks she's doing better. I didn't get to hear much else, since Sara decided she didn't want me in the room when they were discussing her depression. I understand that, yet I thought that since she IS a minor, the docor might at least give me a clue or discuss (with Sara's permission) what's going on...I feel it's kind of hard to help her if I'm being kept in the dark in that area. Sure as hell won't approve other drugs for her without knowing...the doctor may be smarter and know this crap; I know my daughter. I'm around her more than anyone outside of school.
That's about it, I guess. Anyone have any ideas on helping her more besides counseling and meds? Anything a parent can do?
Thanks for reading.
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Comments: 11
behavioral therapy as well,
As far as meds go, my oldest son (not the one who is bipolar) was ADHD & the meds worked for him. I'm not saying they're a panacea - nothing is, contrary to what many teachers & doctors will have us believe. In the end, you just have to be Sara's best advocate. I try not to step on toes too hard, but if I do while I'm taking care of my kids, so be it. We just had to up my other son's meds because he said he was feeling like he wanted to hurt himself again. He's grown considerable since his meds were last set, so his psychiatrist upped his Zoloft. Not what I would have guessed, but I'm not the doctor. The one thing I always have to remember is the warnings that anti-depressants can cause suicidal thoughts, especially in teens. Wellbutrin made me psychotic & suicidal, so I know how sneaky it can be. That's why open communicati0on (nearly impossible with a teen), at least about this subject, is so important.
The closest health food store is still almost 40(or more) miles away...and I'm on a VERY limited income :(
I'm going to check out the behavioral therapy, but the doc doesn't think she needs any kind of therapy, since she has a counselor at school that she sees at least once a week.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions--I REALLY appreciate it!!!