An Update

Life is always changing.  Previously, I had written about our experience with medication.  I just wanted you to know that we are always watching for changes and reevaluating what is best for each member of our family to see if we could do something differently.

Let's start with me.  Over Christmas break, I started noticing changes in my blood pressure, so I decided to stop taking the Adderall until I talked to my doctor who prescribed it.  He told me to take a break from it and contact my regular physician to have my concerns evaluated.  He also said that Adderall won't necessarily cause high blood pressure, but it could contribute to it since stimulants increase the pulse rate.  It has taken some time to adjust to no meds, but I am still able to function.  I am more distractable and have trouble transitioning from one thing to another and getting off track.  I spend more energy focusing on tasks. One positive is that I am sleeping better.

Son #1 (just calling him #1 since I am discussing him first) was having increased difficulty with behavior in school.  Though the first 2 months of school went well, as his comfort level grew with his new classroom and situation, his teacher reported that he was becoming mouthy and having more trouble getting along with the other students.  He hadn't been on meds since the summer, so I started him back on them.  He was on them a week before I called the doctor.  He asked to see Son #1 to reevaluate his general health and examine why I wanted him back on Adderall.  The week I put him back on the medicine, his teacher wrote me a note describing his behavior as excellent!  She really noticed the difference.  I was able to tell the doctor about that, as well.

When he started the med trials back in the spring, the dosage was increased until we were up to 25 mg.  I was still seeing the impulsivity and lack of focus.  I was discouraged that the doctor wanted him to remain at that dosage through the summer before reevaluating in the fall after he returned to school.

My expectation was that we would continue with the trials as soon as school started up again.  The element that had changed was how drastically improved his behavior was at the beginning of the school year.  So we made the call to discontinue the meds altogether because we could.  But now there seemed to be a need for it.  He was on the 25mg dosage for about a month, when we returned to the doctor.  The decision was made to try the next stronger dose (which is also the maximum dose).  What I noticed was an increase in his self control and a willingness to help out at home and do his homework independently.  There was also a significant decrease in his appetite to the point of not eating anything at lunch and dinner.  That concerned me.

I was just at the doctor's again for another son and asked the doctor for the lesser dosage.  He reminded me that the extreme lack of appetite can be temporary.  He encouraged me to try the 30 mg. again and wait a little longer to see if things evened out.  He also assured me that if a child loses a lot of weight at the beginning, they generally gain it back as their body gets accustomed to the Adderall.  It's such a case by case thing.  So, we're still evaluating what will be best for the Son #1

Son #2's situation was that as last semester progressed, he was having more and more trouble completing assignments and handing them in on time.  He was having particular trouble with multi-stepped projects. Though he is an "A" student, his grades were affected primarily by the late or missing assignments.  Though we considered meds, he really didn't want to start taking them.  The result of his getting behind caused him to become irritable most of the time due to stress and feeling like a failure.  He wouldn't however allow his parents to help him get organized and refused to do much to help his situation.  Finally, after getting a call from his math teacher who was also concerned, I decided to call the assistant principal about my concerns. He was very reassuring that the school wanted to do all they could to help him.  We enrolled him in an after-school study hall, much to his dismay.  He will need to go to that every week for this quarter.  Also the teachers will meet to share ideas as to what is working and what is not in each of his classes.  They will come up with a strategy that will help him be successful.  All of this is short of starting the 504 process.  If needed we will pursue that, but for now he is staying on top of his work.

Daughter #1 doesn't mind me sharing things about her.  She will actually be a guest blogger, writing about her journey.  I will say that over the past couple of months she has been going through the evaluation process and has been officially diagnosed with ADD.  She is an online college student this year and has been struggling with time management and getting through the reading without getting distracted.  Though she is an A student, it takes her an inordinate amount of time to complete assignments, not because it's too difficult, but because she can't keep her mind focused as she completes the reading, discussion boards and papers. She is hoping medication will help her.  If her mother can ever remember to call the doctor, she is anxious to start med trials to see if that helps her with her schoolwork.

I am so thankful for the support we have in making these decisions.  I hope me sharing our family's experiences helps yours as you evaluate the needs of your children in your own family ADDventures!

Depression Stinks!

Depression stinks!  People don't like to talk about it.  Especially when you are in the midst of it, the last thing you want to do is talk about it.  It's easy to feel isolated and alone.  ADHD and depression are common bedfellows.  Whether it's dealing with the frustrations of ADHD symptoms that result in depression or the chemical imbalance that causes the depression, compounding the ADHD, it stinks!  I recently realized that I was starting to feel depressed after being pretty much depression free for the last couple of years.  It's amazing how the clouds roll in and darken my outlook on life.  It's hard to feel positive about anything but very easy to become self-critical, withdrawn from relationships and lose the desire to do anything that takes mental or emotional energy.

It's one thing for me to deal with it, but to see my kids struggling to feel positive about themselves, knowing that could lead to depression, just breaks my heart.  Lately, I've heard 3 of my children saying things like "I'm so stupid." and "What an idiot I am!" when dealing with the frustration and aftermath of impulsivity and other symptoms of ADHD.  When I am feeling down, I can add to their negativity when I am unable to affirm them when they need it most.

The challenge is to help them understand though the "sow/reap principle" is in play, it's okay for them to make mistakes, that we love them no matter what and forgiveness is available on an ongoing basis.  There are a lot of resources out there regarding ADHD and depression.  If you find yourself or your children having trouble in these areas, get help and invite the Lord to walk through it with you.

Here are some articles on the subject:

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/748.html

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/05/19/adhd-and-depression-common-bedfellows/

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/treatment/coexisting/wwk5c

ADHD and Depression: Diagnosing, Treating, and Managing a Dual Diagnosis

ADHD and Depression: Diagnosing, Treating, and Managing a Dual Diagnosis

Common Comorbid Conditions Associated with ADHD

This article gives you a description of conditions like depression, anxiety and OCD that can present themselves in children with ADHD.  It also gives you resources that can help.



Common Comorbid Conditions Associated with ADHD

7 Executive Function Deficits Tied to ADHD

This seems to be one of those less understood aspects of ADHD.







7 Executive Function Deficits Tied to ADHD

Behind the Scenes of ADHD

My guest blogger is my daughter, Kayla.  She's a talented young writer.  This will give you an inside look into her thoughts.

Blank page.  Cursor blinking.  I can't do this.  This is boring.  Music would help.  I'm in the mood for Les Mis.  This is such a pretty song.

     "There is a castle on a cloud, I like to go there in my sleep..."

Oooh, sleep...I should have gotten more sleep last night.  I should Facebook Megan to ask what I should bring to that sleepover.  What?  Facebook changed their look again?  Gosh, all these statuses about snow...oh, wait, it really IS snowing.  Cool, what else?  Wow, cool picture of the ocean.  I loved when we went to the ocean.  It was so pretty and I couldn't help but see God through it.  My brothers, haha, ran right in with their clothes on.  Oh Katie posted some quote.  Who has time to read all that?  Well, it;s probably something motivational.  Why did I come on Facebook again?  Oh, brother, I can't remember.  Oh, look at that cute picture of a kitty.  I wish I had a kitty!  And all these statuses complaining about homework.  Oh, wait, I'm supposed to be doing homework!  Focus, Kayla, focus!  But it's such an empty screen.  So boring. But you have to get this done by tomorrow!  Okay, okay, but at this pace, I'll never get done.  Okay, here, I'll make myself write a paragraph before I can check Facebook again.

Okay, done with the first paragraph.  Now I can finally check Facebook again.  Well, nothing new, really.  Oh, look!  Leah's little brother baked some cookies.  Wait, what time is it?  Oh, gosh, it's 2:00 and I haven't eaten yet.  I'd better go make a sandwich.  What should I put on it?  I'll just use the turkey mom bought yesterday.  When is she getting back from her errands?  Where's the calendar?  What's today's date?  Wait, is tomorrow really the 7th?  Oh, no, I was supposed to have my current events report done by then.  I guess Disney changing the picture of Cinderella probably doesn't count as a current event, does it?  Well, I'll turn on a news station.  Maybe they'll talk about a current event.  There's just weather on these stations.  Oh, here's a station playing my favorite song!  Wait, is that the garage door?  Mom's home!  Oh, no, she'll ask me what I've done while she was gone.  Did a lot of stuff.  Didn't finish anything.  Uh, oh, here she is.

     "Kayla, I'm home!  Oh, there you are.  Look. I bought you different colored bins to put all your school stuff in, since you can't keep track of it.  I also bought you this cool notepad that you can hang up, since lists seem to help you focus.  I know how the phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' is so true for you, so I got you these neon Post-Its that you can hang up around the house to remind you to do your different chores.  What have you gotten done while I've been gone?  And why is there turkey on the counter?"

The Post Holiday Blues

Life is never static in our home.  I’m sure that is true of yours as well.  Before the holidays, I felt like we hit a groove where things were pretty predictable.  I was feeling pretty comfortable with the morning routine of getting 4 boys off to school on 3 different buses at 3 different times, making sure breakfast was eaten and nothing was forgotten as they walked out the door.  Our daily schedule was busy with homework and evening activities, but I was optimistic and full of purpose.

The week leading up to Christmas was crazy busy, but fun.    My husband took 3 weeks off which really helped us get a lot of the Christmas shopping and wrapping done ahead of time, instead of the few days before Christmas.  Doing a lot together was rewarding.  It reminded me that I really like spending time with my husband and we make a good team.  We worked hard to do all we could to eliminate last minute craziness so Christmas could be focused on Jesus’ birthday and spending time as a family.   Did it work?  In some ways it did.  However, the downtime that followed presented its own challenges.  Unstructured time made all of us who desperately need structure, irritable.  I hadn’t realized the intrinsic stress of having everyone home and pretty much together all the time.  There was a lot of activity, a lot of conflict and, oh, the noise!  Even when the kids weren’t arguing, when they are all together, they all raise their volume to be heard over each other.  Did I tell you that one of my ADD issues is that I can’t tolerate noise?  I am irritated by repetitive noises and loud voices, mostly because they short circuit my ability to think, concentrate or have a complete conversation. 

Also, the time I usually spend at the beginning of the day connecting with God through prayer and Bible study was disrupted by late nights, sleeping in and having people (loud people) around all the time.   My usual time to recharge and get centered was sporadic at best.  Being an introvert, I really need that quiet, alone time.   I noticed a difference in my ability to handle all the commotion.  I became “crabby Mom”. (I really don’t like her.)    The stress also affected my health.   I ended up with a stomach bug and elevated blood pressure.  I also hadn’t been able to take my meds regularly and noticed a gradual descent of my mood,  feeling discouraged and very pessimistic.  It is amazing how quickly that happens with a few missed doses.

I am not whining about all my woes here.  I just realized that a lot of my posts have been optimistic and encouraging.  They don’t, however, paint a complete picture of life for our family.  In the spirit of transparency, I wanted to share that we don’t always do it right.  I still struggle with depression.  Being together as a family isn’t always fun, happy times. 

One of my life verses is Lamentations 3:22-23

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

I am so thankful that each day is a do-over.  Even when I wallow in my brokenness, choosing to entertain self pity and discouragement, God’s love for me doesn’t fade away.  He is not put off by my despair.  Every morning his mercies are new.  His faithfulness is trustworthy!  I finally came to my senses this afternoon and said, 

“Soul, you have a choice to keep wallowing or to believe God and take every thought captive.”  

That’s all it took for hope to return and for me to realize that others deal with this stuff, too.  I decided to share my own struggle in hopes that it would encouragement someone else who was in the same spot.  And, tomorrow is another day with new mercies and unending faithfulness from our Heavenly Father.