 |
    |
Bumps in the Road
So this year, Stephanie’s a junior in high school, and that’s been a big leap as far as taking on a number of AP classes. And she’s trying to learn the tools to recognize the flags within herself that let her know that there is a medical situation that needs to be addressed as opposed to just the stress of being a teenager. So I wouldn’t say it’s a breakdown, but it’s more like a starting to come apart. And the whole organization of her life and her day and what’s she’s able to typically accomplish starts slipping from her grasp and she recognizes it and starts to internalize it thinking she can cope with it and it is really anxiety building until she starts saying some of the words or phrases that are flags that I’ve learned to recognize over the years and then we kind of put it back together again. I say “Oh yes, we need to go and check in and see if the meds are doing what they’re supposed to do.” We obviously did the behavioral things and that type of modification. Everything from the star program, rewards, tokens all of those kinds of things. Not helpful at all. It just didn’t work. Nothing worked with Ryan at that point. He was very interested, but he just couldn’t focus long enough to get any of the rewards. Even then he was sweet and very affectionate, but he was so hyperactive. We were replacing the windows in our house at the rate of about one a week because of impulsive behavior. It wasn’t intentional— just “Oops! This broke!” and something would go flying. I annoy her. “Did you write that down? Do you remember that appointment?” I still feel like I’m trying to help her be organized. Her shoes are all over the floor so she says, “Well, I want a shoe rack.” So I get her a shoe rack and then she doesn’t do anything with it. Then I have to say to her, “Honey, there is only so much organizing I can help you with. You have to be motivated; you have to live with your problem.” I don’t think she’s quite there yet. I think when she goes off to college and mom isn’t there, she’ll start growing up. I’ve probably done too much for her is what I’m saying. I’m guessing that I have. On the other hand, I don’t know, I just think she is a good kid. I don’t think I’ve done too, too much, but we’ve, me and Julie, tussled about it a fair amount. “Leave me alone” “I’ll do it on my own.” Yes, it is difficult. We did have to try different medications before we found the one that fit. With Adam, we tried Ritalin, and he was really aggressive and moody to the point where I’ve never seen him like that before. And then my daughter Ellie tried Concerta, and she was really hyper. Not every medication works for every kid, but luckily Adderall does work for all three of my kids. It’s kind of trial and error— you do see a difference, and sometimes they do become a little bit more sensitive. And on days they don’t take it, they might become a little bit more moody, which is kind of frustrating, but kids do that, it’s just the age. |
Top of Page 
 |
Copyright © 2007, Children's
Hospital Boston Department of Psychiatry. All Rights Reserved. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Updated: February 12, 2007 |
 |