DD-10 going to psychiatrist...any tips????

[sheryl]

My 10 yo dd who has controlled epilepsy has behavioral issues. This is common for epilespy to have "companion" issues, according to her neuro.

Because of that they are suggesting a psychiatrist. She's been to a psychologist.

Any suggestion, tips, advice on "how" to handle this appt with the psychiatrist? Any thing to be wary of? Questions to ask? Anything??

As you can see I'm baffled by this next step, but I do want to be prepared.

I called the psychiatrist's office yesterday and she answered!!!! We talked 20 minutes! She's a lovely woman of color and goes to our church! I'm so thankful God has opened this opportunity! She was so incredibly kind to spend "her" free time speaking with me by phone. She is surprised that my dd is on Lamictal because she said there are better meds to treat behavior, but............

the research I've done on the net tells me alot of behavior drugs are narcotic and I REALLY don't want my dd to be on a narc med. INPUT HERE???

The other med she's on is actually controlling her seizures. The Lam is treating behavior, supposedly.

However, a nurse friend of mine says that her meds and others can actually CAUSE the behavior issues. ???? :confused:

Look forward to your responses.

Sheryl <><

[Ottakee]

i would list all of your concerns---frome eating to sleeping, to meltdowns, rages. depression, irritability, etc.--what ever fits her. How she does socially, in new situations, with her peers, older kids, younger kids, etc.

Record any family history of behavioral issues, mental illness, drug/alcohol use/abuse, etc. Some things are genetic and this information is helpful.

Then list all of the meds she has tried, the doses, in what combinations, how they helped, any side effects, etc.

Also see if you can get ahold of any blood work done (med levels, CBC, blood sugar, thyroid, etc. are all things our pdoc checks), EEGs, MRIs, CTs, etc.

There are MANY different meds out there and different kids do better on one med while another kids that seems the same might do better on a different med or need 2 or more meds.

Personally, Lamictal at the right level has been GREAT for seizures AND mood (bipolar here). If the dose is too high though (you can do blood levels) then behavioral issues can come. Again though, all kids are different.

Don't hide anything from the doctor, which can be hard as you don't want them to think that you are a bad parent (which you are not). It is just important that they have the whole truth--not blown out of proportion but not minimized either.

[sheryl]

i would list all of your concerns---frome eating to sleeping, to meltdowns, rages. depression, irritability, etc.--what ever fits her. How she does socially, in new situations, with her peers, older kids, younger kids, etc.

Record any family history of behavioral issues, mental illness, drug/alcohol use/abuse, etc. Some things are genetic and this information is helpful.

Then list all of the meds she has tried, the doses, in what combinations, how they helped, any side effects, etc.

Also see if you can get ahold of any blood work done (med levels, CBC, blood sugar, thyroid, etc. are all things our pdoc checks), EEGs, MRIs, CTs, etc.

There are MANY different meds out there and different kids do better on one med while another kids that seems the same might do better on a different med or need 2 or more meds.

Personally, Lamictal at the right level has been GREAT for seizures AND mood (bipolar here). If the dose is too high though (you can do blood levels) then behavioral issues can come. Again though, all kids are different.

Don't hide anything from the doctor, which can be hard as you don't want them to think that you are a bad parent (which you are not). It is just important that they have the whole truth--not blown out of proportion but not minimized either.


As always, great and sound advice. I'll keep you posted. I'll print this off and get the info gathered! THANKS! :001_smile:

[iammommy]

No, narcotics are NOT given to children with behavioral issues. Are you thinking of amphetamines, which are given to children with ADD/ADHD? Amphetamines would NOT be given to children with just behavioral issues, either. Some of the more common meds for behavioral issues might be Risperdal, Abilify, and similar drugs. These are the mood stabilizing and atypical anti-psychotic classes. HTH!

Nan

[sheryl]

No, narcotics are NOT given to children with behavioral issues. Are you thinking of amphetamines, which are given to children with ADD/ADHD? Amphetamines would NOT be given to children with just behavioral issues, either. Some of the more common meds for behavioral issues might be Risperdal, Abilify, and similar drugs. These are the mood stabilizing and atypical anti-psychotic classes. HTH!

Nan

Hi Nan,

I really don't know....not that versed on meds except what my dd takes. ALthough I was in tears with my dd's behavior a few months ago and the neuro tried seroquel. She was on it for, don't remember here...stessful time, but maybe 2-3 months. She did not improve so the neuro gave her lexipro. She was on that 3 days...she just didn't improve so they stopped that too. The neuro agreed to "try" this because it was soooooo bad here, her behavior. He said that behavioral drugs are out of his area of expertise and I understand that and respect that. He obliged me and tried these 2, but they didn't work.

If you're reading this Nan and anyone else....are there any non-narcotic add/adhd meds?

Sheryl

[Ottakee]

Strattera is a non stimulant ADD/ADHD med BUT it is related to the SSRI antidepressants and can cause trouble for kids with mood/behavioral issues. Our pdoc found it worked well for girls with ADD (the inattentive type) with no other issues---just trouble staying focused, but it was NOT good for kids with mood swings, hyperactivity, etc.

IF though you have mood issues, you want to treat those FIRST before any ADD/ADHD as the meds to treat ADD/ADHD can trigger more mood issues.

2 classes of meds you might want to look into are the mood stabilizers (Lamictal, Lithium, Tegretol, Trileptal, Depakote) and the atypical antipsychotics (Seroquel is one, Risperdal, Zyprexa, etc.). It can be trial and error to figure out which of these, or which combo, is best for the child. Trileptal made my dd MANIC while its older "cousin" med, Tegretol has been great for her. Seroquel was terrible here but Risperdal has been great. For other kids, these meds might not be the best but other are. This is what makes it so hard.

[sheryl]

Strattera is a non stimulant ADD/ADHD med BUT it is related to the SSRI antidepressants and can cause trouble for kids with mood/behavioral issues. Our pdoc found it worked well for girls with ADD (the inattentive type) with no other issues---just trouble staying focused, but it was NOT good for kids with mood swings, hyperactivity, etc.

IF though you have mood issues, you want to treat those FIRST before any ADD/ADHD as the meds to treat ADD/ADHD can trigger more mood issues.

2 classes of meds you might want to look into are the mood stabilizers (Lamictal, Lithium, Tegretol, Trileptal, Depakote) and the atypical antipsychotics (Seroquel is one, Risperdal, Zyprexa, etc.). It can be trial and error to figure out which of these, or which combo, is best for the child. Trileptal made my dd MANIC while its older "cousin" med, Tegretol has been great for her. Seroquel was terrible here but Risperdal has been great. For other kids, these meds might not be the best but other are. This is what makes it so hard.


Thanks Ottakee. Yes, my dd's been on Lamictal. I'll see if the psychiatrist wants to keep her on it. You are so knowledgable as always and appreciated! Sheryl <><