Im extremely worried about my 6 year old son. He is very hyperactive and has practically no speech. He wants to play with other children but they avoid him because of his behavioural problems. Im very disturbed and suffer from depression too. Can you please advise me what should I do and any medications which can help him.

sammy, you must be going through a tough time. I really feel sorry for you but Im sure you will come out a winner with all the hard work you must be putting in for your son. I was surfing the net and came across something called atomoxetine HCLcommonly called strattera which is prescribed for children with ADHD symptoms. You may check with your doctor about this. Hope I can be of more help to you.

It must be tough in your situation, wanting to help but not knowing what to do. I hope you find out what you need to do and what can be done for your son.

Does he have an outlet for his energies? Does he do sports, or do an art? Does he have a channel for his passions and interests?

Sometimes I think it is our culture and society that tries to put boys in un-natural environments. In our hunter-gatherer societies, there was no school system.

Also make sure he doesn't eat too much sugar. Sugar is everywhere. I would suggest, if he does eat a lot- do a controlled experiment, and go on a week fast without sugar. These are things I do for myself. Just see if he's more calm. If he's not then fine.

My heart really goes out for your son's condition. What your son has is becoming an all too common condition though, and all I really want to say is perscription pills don't work, don't really resolve the condition or the cause, and if they do, then they always produce unwanted and dangerous side effects. People in pharmaceutical careers won't like this idea much though, if they are interested in business success. I would suggest just going to the local library and reading as much as you can about everything related to ADHD. Read it even if you think it's quackery or far out there. Then later you can put on your critical mind.

But whatever route you go, I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous:
Im extremely worried about my 6 year old son. He is very hyperactive and has practically no speech. He wants to play with other children but they avoid him because of his behavioural problems. Im very disturbed and suffer from depression too. Can you please advise me what should I do and any medications which can help him.

What has happened in the last year? Do you still read this board?

You need to get some expert advice from licensed, experienced professionals who have a chance to meet, test and otherwise evaluate your son. Don't get your advice from a board like this, we don't know your son or you.
Best of luck, you and you son are oging to do alright but it will take hard work and time and love to help him, he is far behind in his development if he can barely speak at 6 years old; you can help him the most because you are his dad.

I agree with LKS. Don't get advice from a discussion board regarding psychiatric diagnoses for your six-year-old. I do know that medication like Ritalin and Dexedrine is often prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD but get the diagnosis from a psychologist/psychiatrist (ie. NOT your family doctor), preferably one that specializes in working with children before considering meds. ADD/ADHD has got to be one of the most wrongly-made, overdone diagnosis out there. Conversely, it's often missed because it's symptoms can mimic that of other conditions. Good luck though, <Anonymous>. How is it that everyone else knows this guy's name???

quote:

Originally posted by h.c.:
I agree with LKS. Don't get advice from a discussion board regarding psychiatric diagnoses for your six-year-old. I do know that medication like Ritalin and Dexedrine is often prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD but get the diagnosis from a psychologist/psychiatrist (ie. NOT your family doctor), preferably one that specializes in working with children before considering meds. ADD/ADHD has got to be one of the most wrongly-made, overdone diagnosis out there. Conversely, it's often missed because it's symptoms can mimic that of other conditions. Good luck though, <Anonymous>. How is it that everyone else knows this guy's name???

Well, I think you meant Rockhead, not me. But I'll chime in here anyway.

My son also has ADD. As a matter of fact, so do I. Medications do work, and can work well. I take Concerta every day and I (and my wife) have noticed a major improvement in organization of thought and ability to function better.

I sort of disagree with Rockhead about advice on a board - it's a starting place, and can provide support for whatever decision you make. I also agree with him in that you shouldn't take ONLY advice from a forum like this.

You really should get professional help. Talk to your family doctor about getting a referal to someone specializing in these things.

True, I did mean Rockhead.

So, how are things working out <Anonymous>?