Oh, and one last thing. If there is any possibility of a mood disorder in your child's genetics, be very careful of ADHD medication. It can
trigger bipolar mania and aggression. Bipolar is very often misdiagnosed as ADHD because professionals are hesitant to diagnose children with Bipolar.
But it's so dangerous to do so because of the problems ADHD stimulant medication can cause for a person who is actually bipolar and not ADHD.
There are some great screening tools out there to try and differentiate if you have questions. Of course, you have to rely on the professionals, but it's
always a good idea to stay on top of things and educate yourself as much as possible. When you go to the professionals, it's up to you to ask all the
right questions. They won't offer answers to things you don't ask, so you have to go in there knowing all the possibilities, and ask, ask, ask.
eta one more last thing (ha)
There are LOTS of things that "mimic" adhd that I always advise parents to check out. Bipolar was one, but also, lactose intolerance is another - and it's a biggie. Psychiatrists won't agree, but I've met many a parent who removed all dairy and all problems went away. (Not the case with my son).
Another is red dye sensitivity. I've also had parents whose children were either allergic or overly sensitive to red & yellow dyes and the symptoms were exactly like ADHD - and add in aggression.
Another is absence seizure disorder. It's related to epilepsy, but not the same. These are seizures that occur on the inside of the brain, but you don't see signs of them on the outside. I have personally known four children who were diagnosed with ADHD and/or Bipolar, who, when pursued, it was found that they actually had an absence seizure disorder and anticonvulsant medication stopped their symptoms.
Last, I've heard many who believe wheat and gluten allergies can cause ADHD / Bipolar-like symptoms.
Just stuff you can screen for if you're having trouble coming up with answers and medications don't seem to be working.
