Medication feedback for treatment of depression in boy

ahuva06

Mon, Oct 26 2015, 2:36 am

FranticFrummie wrote:

I just want to say that anyone who says "He just needs more love" should really step back and think about how incredibly hurtful and IGNORANT that statement is. I just, I don't even. Mad

My DD has suffered with severe anxiety since she was 6, and we've been through 6 years of intense therapy combined with parenting classes. We've gone through all of the allergy tests, and she's tried different natural treatments. We're now looking for a professional psychiatric evaluation to find the best and safest way to treat her.

OP, you are an awesome mom, and I'm very impressed that you are taking your child's moods seriously, and not just brushing them off.

Agree.

amother

Natural

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 5:13 am

So some feedback. My DS was evaluated by a therapist and diagnosed with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Basically, nobody knows what that is or how to treat it. It's a diagnosis recently approved to prevent the over diagnosis of bipolar disorder. one camp says it is a disorder that will lead to depression in adulthood and thus treatment with antidepressants is necessary. Another camp says it is really bipolar and antipsychotics are needed. Another camp says it's "just being a brat".

Of course, we can't actually see a psychiatrist for another month in a half. The whole mental health field is ridiculous.

chani8

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 5:27 am

I am not discounting any diagnosis or need for meds. I just want to share a sad story. My friend went through hell with her son, for many many years, and every now and then I cautiously suggested that she should just make sure this isn't because of molestation. Her response was, of course, "he'd tell me if something happened." (No, but he might tell a therapist.) And now, years later, after mental institutions and shock therapy and multiple medications, it finally came out that for years as a young child, he was indeed molested . . . in cheder, and in camp, and by neighbor friends. No wonder he was a mess. Maybe he needed meds, too, but clearly being molested affected his mental health. So please, dont rule that out as a possible cause of depression. Do some detective work, ask for a professional opinion on that specific issue. Seeing as it is very prevalent in the frum world right now.

amother

Natural

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 7:58 am

Chani,
unfortunately in this day and age, as soon as my kid(s) have an unusually off day or something seems to be going on, that is one of the first things I think of.

It's in the parenting handbook 101 course. I'm not being flippant but every parent needs to think about this when something is going wrong and it's been drilled into me ever since I've been a parent.

I've investigated.

I know where my kids are at at all times. I know whom they are with. My DH is at their school multiple times per week.

But just in case, I've asked in direct and indirect ways.

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 2:12 pm

hi everyone, I realize now I upset some people here. I am truly sorry. it was not my intention at all. I guess I am being too opinionated and going to strong and harsh. (I truly thought she was asking wether she should give med or not. as opposed to natural) so I gave my opinion. I guess I need to shut my mouth. sorry again. I really didnt mean to. I learnt a lesson today.

amother

Lilac

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 2:31 pm

Alright. I didn't read every post on here put would like to add that yes the truth hurts. Sourstix got a point. Medication are not solution. Medication is used as convenience for parents. Sorry ur son going through this but without know his family dynamic and foods he eating I don't think I can help mich

chavs

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 2:48 pm

Amother Lilac clearly you didn't read the op, you would have seen that the op is looking for something natural, furthermore, if she was looking for regular meds, that could actually be what's best for the child. I really hope you never know what it's like to see your child in that much pain but don't make assumptions.

amother

Slategray

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 2:54 pm

amother wrote:

Hello all,

I'm interested in hearing feedback in regards to prescription antidepressants, natural remedies and the such for treatment of depression in kids. My DS who is 8 yrs old is showing signs of depression. I'm leary about him starting an SSRI because of the black box warning of suicidality. He will be going to psychotherapy but I want to find an OTC remedy to take the edge off until things can get sorted out.

I can only tell you my sons story.
I tried preventing him from taking prescription drugs, but nothing worked. by the time he was 11 and went on meds he was in a pretty bad place but thank G-d the meds helped him - sertraline. he has been on it for 2 years now and is a different child (combined with therapy of course)
I hope natural stuff works for your son though! I sometimes take st- johns and it helps me, (but I dont really suffer from depression, but a difficult home situation.)
good luck!

groisamomma

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 3:41 pm

amother wrote:

There is accountability in the World to Come for every word you wrote here. I'm not the OP but as a mother hurting terribly from such a situation I am not mochel you. You are right, the truth hurts, but the shaliach of that truth will be punished.

sourstix

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 3:47 pm

[quote="amother"]Alright. I didn't read every post on here put would like to add that yes the truth hurts. Sourstix got a point. Medication are not solution. Medication is used as convenience for parents. Sorry ur son going through this but without know his family dynamic and foods he eating I don't think I can help mich[/quote]

too many people here are being hurt by this comment and the same with mine. if you have experience then say it and say what it is. otherwise please dont comment. if I see this continues I will ask yael to lock this. its too much already. I had not realized how far this is going. please stop if you cant help. I am asking for a personal favor. thank you very much

amother

Lilac

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 4:36 pm

groisamomma wrote:

You probably misunderstood my reply When I said the truth I meant the truth that medication is not solution. And as a registered nurse I learned that medicating is used sometimes as convenience. I do have many experiences both personal and other were medication failed and was even harmful and it took many years of lifestyle changes and nutritional provement to bring about normalcy both in kids and adults. I do have lots of recommendation but too hurt to type it right now. And for you groisamomma what ever blessings you wrote on here Hashem should grand your wish back to you and your family. No one on here should have right to curse another Jew. We come here to help and are entitled to our own opinions wether u agree with it or not. Please lock up. Sorry op that it turned out so bad. May Hashem show u the right solution and refuah

amother

Aqua

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 4:54 pm

amother wrote:

Medication are not solution. Medication is used as convenience for parents.

I find this statement to be offensive and an over generalization. Medication can be a component of a solution. I know my child (10 y.o.) was in such a negative spiral that therapy alone was not helping. After starting Prozac, he was at least able to begin applying the tools he was learning in therapy.

prozac is an SSRIs that has been used extensively in kids, for roughly 25 years. Does it have risks? Of course, but so does driving in a car!

Anon to protect my sons privacy

chavs

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 5:07 pm

amother wrote:

Are you a pediatric nurse with specialty in children's mental health? If not then being a nurse doesn't qualify you to answer in such strong words!
When getting meds for a child one goes to a doctor who specialises, not a heart surgeon so your job title unless you specifically have experience with pediatrics and mental health really means nothing!
Furthermore, I asked if you the the op, where she mentions that she was specifically not looking at drugs but natural health but you ignored that and soldiered on upsetting lots of mothers who I'm sure did their research before putting their children in antidepressant.
You clearly have no clue (let alone bedside manners), what it's like to have a child with depression. You come off as arrogant and with an agenda, not always is diet change, omega 3, exercise etc the answer some ppl, children included need the extra help that medication can give.

amother

Lilac

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 5:24 pm

amother wrote:

[b]

There u have it. The op did ask advice about prescription medicines and our feedback. I am not against medication. I take them as needed but for a child with mental emotional symptoms it should be used only only if all other solutions fails. Children mind is growing and developing fairly quickly and any wrong medication can have lost lasting sideeffects

esther09

Tue, Nov 10 2015, 5:25 pm

amother wrote:

I am not in this situation but I have to say, I cannot think of anything more inconvenient than putting your child on meds.

No one WANTS to use medication, no one says "hey, I think my life will be easier if I have to think about my child on a serious and complicated drug."

But, sometimes, medication is what is right and necessary for a child. I can't imagine a parent who takes this lightly and thinks this is an easy decision.

Hats off to the OP (and any other mothers in this situation who have commented) for taking the difficult route and making tough and loving choices for your child. Having a parent like you is half the battle.