Aspergers & St Johns Wort

[wixawoo]

My son is in his early teens and was diagnosed with Aspergers aged 7. The last few years have been a nightmare - probably made worse by hormones as he grew into a teen.
The doctors here say they won't medicate, even though I stress he needs something to help him feel calmer, happier and less anxious.
Anyway, since last summer, when I was at my wits end, I have been getting him to take vitamins.
He takes a good fish oil supplement and a multi vitamin for teens that contains st johns wort. It is an American product that I buy online (Nature's Plus Teen-Active Tablets)
He seems calmer. There have been very few incidents at school (we moved house to the other side of the country, so it has been a stressful time)

But it is hard to tell if it is just because he is getting older or if the herbs are helping.... I have never been one to use herbal remedies!

Just wondered if anyone else has used St Johns Wort to treat symptoms of Aspergers?

[funnymum71]

Not used St John's wort, but we do give him melatonin at night, which helps him sleep better and drastically reduced poor behaviour during the day, as it turned out it was a side effect of not enough sleep.

[wixawoo]

I think mine sleeps well - but I know when he was young we thought he was sleeping well but he was actually lying awake "thinking".

I will have a look at how melatonin works. Do you get it from the doctor or do you have to buy it?
My lad struggles in the morning - but he generally keeps himself to himself and is quiet and calm 99% of the time. He seems less grumpy in the mornings since he's been on these tablets and less easily wound up.

[cocolepew]

My DD suffers,from terible anxiety/OCD and I gave wondered about trying her in St Johns Wort but was worried she was too young (she's 15 now). This looks really interesting and I think I'll give it a go.

I'm a big believer in herbal remedies I really think they can help. I couldn't get my dr to agree to any medication either.

[cocolepew]

How old is your DS?