Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Thursday, December 17, 2009 nananelle asks

Q: My grandson is 13 and has been on ADHD medications for about 6 years. He is violent.

The past two years he has become too undisciplined at schoool for the teachers to deal with and ends up at a detention center most of the time. He most recently was involved in a fight at school and the police came in and arrested him and took hiim to jail. There is a court date and he is in detention for a week. I feel his meds are to blame for being too aggressive - this is not like him at all! Who do I tell when I think his mother is using this drug to keep him that way? My son won't help out at all. I feel like I owe this to my grandson to help him get onto the right drugs before he becomes a juvenile delinquent. Please help. My son and daughter-in-law are talking divorce.  They fight constantly (physically and verbally).  My grandson is a good boy, smart.  But he is constantly getting into trouble at school for disrputing classes, and fighting.  He's proud of his ability to fight.  He is a smaller than average boy, but his fights are with older, bigger boys - and he wins.  He plays football and is very good.  But his grades this year are terrible.  The meds aren't helping him in school at all.  But his mother keeps giving them to him.  He lies to his parents, teachers, everyone.  His smaller brother, who is 8, is watching all this and is starting to lie too.  He also thinks fighting is great.  I am at a loss as to help the boys.  I know their parents feel that I'm beginning to interfere, but no one is standing up for my grandsons.  I hope someone can help me with this.  The whole family needs counceling but I know I can't control that situation at all, and don't want to.  I just want them to realize what a disaster this is turning into, and try to turn it around.  They were once just a normal family - not that long ago.

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Answers (4)
Merely Me, Health Guide
12/17/09 5:58pm

Hi Nananelle

 

Well first of all let me express how sorry I am that you are in this situation.  It must be so emotionally difficult for you to see your grandson having such difficulties. It is evident by your letter that you love and care for your family and may feel powerless right now as to how you can help.

 

In such situations I think that there are probably many factors going on which are contributing to an escalating situation.  Some of the potential causes for your grandson's behavior may be things you are not able to see.  Some teens may react in anger and violence as a way to deal with turbulence at home.  I think you are probably very accurate in saying that the whole family could probably benefit from some type of counseling.

 

How accepting are your grandson's parents of having a heart to heart conversation with you where you tell them how worried you are and...maybe ask how you can help?  People tend to accept help more when they are not feeling judged so you may have to choose your words carefully.  Is there any way you can spend more time with your grandson?  Do you have contact with anyone overseeing your grandson...perhaps a social worker?  If you believe counseling would be good...do you have that information ready for them?  Sometimes it is easier to go ahead with an idea if you have the information ready right now.

 

I truly do feel for you and I hope that things get better.  At the very least I would communicate to your family that you are very concerned and wish to help.

 

Thank you so much for reaching out here.  You are not alone!

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2/25/10 5:07pm

Some ADHD meds do have a propensity towards aggression.  Addarill for one.  Especially if the dose is too large for the child.  Does your grandson have a Child Psychologist to moniter his meds.  These kids need extra monitering to get the right med to help his/her situation.  Family dynamics take a big hit when you have an ADHD kid acting out.  Counseling is a big plus but proper pharmecological support is just as important.  ADHD kids need a big network of structure and support to handle the hormones and gorwth surges they face as teens abd preteens.  Good luck.

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1/22/10 5:39am

you have to get him off some people cant handle adhd meds w/amphetimines

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1/22/10 6:40am

i dont know you but it is known to take there pesonality away get him on something less

PS

tons of trial and era

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1/22/10 6:40am

i dont know you but it is known to take there pesonality away get him on something less

PS

tons of trial and era

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By nananelle— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 12/17/09