ADD Medication

[Schoolsearch2015]

We are having some issues with our “middle child” …… he was diagnosed with ADD some years ago and we resisted medication. However he’s not 14 and we are having issues with risk taking behaviour, stealing alcohol from us, telling lies, money, vaping and we’ve recently discovered he’s having sex with his girlfriend who is also 14. We knew he was impulsive and a risk taker but things are getting out of hand and we now have a big problem on our hands. I think we need to try ADD medication (no judgement please- I’ve resisted for a long long time and believe me I have done my research). Impulsivity is a huge issue with kids with ADD and if we can get some help with that part, that would be a start. He’s a good kid, popular, kind etc….but he’s headed down a bad path. He has low self esteem (never admits this of course). Years of SEN support haven’t exactly boosted his self esteem. He’s well liked generally and has a magnetic personality. Charismatic etc. He’s at a private boarding school. He had got into trouble at school but the school said he had completely turned himself around and they were impressed. I think he’s taken the view to behave at school but do what they hell he likes at home. When confronted with anything he blames it on everyone else, never admits wrong or apologises. He has a habit of being able to deny things so vehemently that you end up questioning whether you have got it wrong snd he’s actually telling the truth. He’s so convincing. Girlfriend isn’t great. Both mother and I think relationship is toxic. He is controlling to her and tells her lies…..told her he had an older sister who died of cancer (not true), told her that my husband isn’t his dad, that he’s his step dad, told her we have a private jet and boat)…….. he also stole money from me and my husband, also stole a necklace from me (probably to give to girlfriend) when I asked him specifically if he’d seen it. Big problems. Don’t know where to start.
Anyway, looking for doctor to prescribe ADD meds. We are in South West.

Sounds like you're all really struggling @Schoolsearch2015

I'm sorry that you haven't had any replies, you might be best asking @MNHQ to move this over to the Teenagers Section, it's a bit busier than in here.

I don't know who would prescribe the drugs sorry but don't understand why you say "no judgement please".

Is your DS willing to try the drugs, I've read on here that there can be side affects and some teenagers and adults prefer to take them say just during the week for work or school or leafing upto exams.

Would he be willing to engage with and ADD life coach as well?

I said “no judgement please” as people have strong opinions on medicating children and I am happy with my choice to pursue medication (after years of resisting) and don’t need anyone to try and persuade me otherwise!

My DS is on medication for ADHD and has been for several years. I was uncertain about medicating but someone said to me that I didn't have to justify why I was medicating him but I might have to explain to him on day why I didn't.

I would recommend getting in touch with the consultant you last saw or ask your GP to refer you back (GP can't prescribe these drugs).

I'll be honest in that we have had a journey with the meds. DS is currently on Elvanse and the only side effect is loss of appetite (which returns with a vengeance once his meds wear off). we rarely medicate at weekends as we find that DS needs them mainly to be able to concentrate at school.

DS was diagnosed aged 7 and is now 14. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you. Unfortunately he was diagnosed overseas so we’d basically be starting again in the UK. Trying to find someone private as I’ve heard NHS waiting list is forever.

Can't help with private I'm afraid. Hopefully someone will come along with some ideas. Might still be worth speaking to your GP who might be able to recommend someone.

We used Clinical Partners and they have been great. Care can be transferred back to the NHS once medication is established.

We also used Clinical partners for diagnosis and to find the right balance for meds, GP is taking over once the dose is established. We did get an agreement from the GP that they would be happy to do this before starting the process as the private route was expensive. £120 for each prescription and £180 for each appointment.
It has been worth it , there’s a 5 1/2 year waiting list for NHS care ( young adult DD) in our area, DD is so much happier since having her diagnosis and meds to help.