Does my 10yr old son have ADHD?

[ambaflash]

For over a year now my son has had episodes that indicate he suffers from stress. We've been to A&E an few times, once he couldn't walk, stabbing pains in stomach and then testicular pain and tests have proved there's nothing wrong. But it's the underlying mental problem that's most worrisome but hardest to get help for. He's had visual and auditory hallucinations throughout and now he's hearing a cacophony of voices telling him to hurt himself and he says he really wants to kill himself. We've been on the CAMHS waiting list since August. Right now I'm just desperate for a diagnosis of some sort.

I’m so sorry that sounds so worrying for you. I have no experience but if he is hearing voices does that not justify a referral to a psychiatrist? I think in your shoes I would be asking the GP for a referral to a psychiatrist rather than waiting on CAHMS, you might get seen quicker.

I wish you and your son the best of luck.

I'm sorry to hear your son is having such problems, but I must point out that none of his symptoms indicate ADHD. Please research these- a quick Google would do. ADHD is NOT a mental health issue or condition, it IS a brain difference where the brain is not typical, it works differently, ie people with ADHD are neuro- atypical or neuro-diverse.

My son has ADHD and he has no symptoms like you have described. I'm sorry for your troubles but this post could really offend other posters.

Sorry, has he not had a neurology/neurosurgery referral to rule out any physical rather than psychiatric issues? Has he had an MRI or anything? You've just been left with those symptoms in a ten year old for a year?! Christ.

It doesn't sound like ADHD at all. I would very strongly suggest trying to push hard for a detailed consultant neurology appointment to rule out any physical causes, and once those are ruled out then push for quicker psych input.

The system is on its knees - you may need to try and get initial private consults and then push for NHS transfer.

Unashamedly research, push and shout (politely) to get what you need for him.

@Puffalicious my DS also has ADHD, but given the symptoms here I think offending folks like us is the least of her worries. Agree, nothing like ADHD

Those symptoms certainly do not indicate ADHD.

He may be stressed if perhaps he is struggling with the symptoms of ADHD and the pressures of living in a NT society which are then in turn manifesting into a mental health condition.

But those symptoms you've described are not ADHD.

I'd really be seeking support from a mental health crisis team now OP. Best of luck

I should perhaps add, it does sound like it could be a form of epilepsy (currently been doing a lot of research around that as we are waiting a diagnosis of that in our youngest). Either way, CAMHS is not who your son needs to see for those symptoms, he needs A&E / Crisis Team / GP

[quote BabycakesMatlala]@Puffalicious my DS also has ADHD, but given the symptoms here I think offending folks like us is the least of her worries. Agree, nothing like ADHD [/quote]
Thanks for all your advice. I didn't mean to offend, I'm just ignorant and desperate. He has been in hospital to investigate physical symptoms including an MRI. The school are expiating his CAMHS admission and I got some great tips from Mind, they have a PDF on Hearing voices

@ambaflash bless you, I'm not at all surprised you're desperate - my heart really goes out to you. Am so glad to hear he's at least had an MRI and ruled that physical stuff out.

Keep pushing as hard as you can to get him seen and diagnosed by someone properly.competent, as quickly as possible x

These symptoms don't sound like ADHD.

Also, I have ADHD and I've never had testicular pain.

This could be schizophrenia or another mental health disorder, it sounds quite serious, I would try going back to the GP for an urgent referral and/or looking the CAMHS emergency helpline.
If you think he's in imminent danger of seriously harming himself ring 999.