My son who is 8 has ADHD and is taking strattera. Lately he is displaying symptoms of depression. Crys alot, extreme mood swings, upset easily, and when he gets in trouble for his misbehaviors he says things like "he hates hisself, why was I even born, whats wrong with me, I wish I was dead!" He also says he has no friends and that everyone hates him. I try to praise and love on him and thank him all the time, to make him feel better. I don't know if it's related to ADHD or Depression or if he's just trying to push my buttons to make me give in and let him get away with things. But I'm worried, there are mental problems in the family and I don't want to let it go. The doctor said I need to Spank him and punish him more and that there is nothing wrong, he thinks my son is just acting up because he can.
Q: How can u tell the difference between adhd and depression in a child?
Hey
Just had to chime in here. What kind of doctor are you going to? This is not professional for him to discuss discipline for your child...not at all. It is my opinion that the doctor is way out of line and his advice can cause a lot of harm. Yes do take your son seriously. I am wondering if this medication has any side effects...especially for mood. You may want to check on this. It is not uncommon for children with ADHD to also suffer from a mood disorder and/or anxiety.
We also have an ADHD site here. You may want to pop on over there for more information about ADHD and depression.
It may be beneficial to seek some other advice from a therapist, doctor, counselor, teacher, psychiatrist, etc. for your son.
I hope things improve. Let us know what happens.
I hope you will take your son seriously - I believe your doctor is wrong to tell you to spank him and punish him because he's just trying to push your buttons. He may very well be depressed. Please get him to another doctor, a psychologist or psychiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis. There could be a physical reason for what's going on, such as his medication, or it could be something in his environment or even just dealing with the ADHD. That doctor is doing your son harm by dismissing these symptoms and telling you to punish him. It almost feels like malpractice, to me. Is this the doctor who put your son on strattera? Is he a family practice doctor? I hope he isn't a psychiatrist! Not all doctors are good ones, as much as we'd like to believe they are. I've had two sons who developed depression at early ages and one of them is autistic and developmentally disabled on top of it so I know it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what's going on, but please do take this seriously. If you need more information or resources, let us know. I hope you'll let us know, anyway, how this turns out. I wish you the best and hope things will turn around soon for your son; he is going through a lot and I would doubt very much that he is "pushing your buttons." Depression is real.
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