ADHD and Anger

Jack - posted on 11/16/2012

i have adhd my self and i am using a acount that my mum made i understand wat ur son is going through, i use pills and i am doing well.i must stress that im also under heavy stress and if i dont take tablets i get angry and upset so it is just a thing u must deal wit. i have divorced parents 2 and it can be stressfull. if ur son forgets to take his tablets then u must make it ur responsibility to make sure he takes them and let his dad have a few extra ones at his house just encase.remember he is still ur baby.

Fallon - posted on 11/12/2012

I knew when my son was a tot, that he was different. I have been through so many different things to try and help him. We have tried no sugar diet, no dye diet, positive reinforcment, reward system, time outs, diaries to write down feelings, sticker charts, money charts, toy charts. ALOT of different things... Finally this past year i had him diagnosed with ADHD. He is taking Meds now and has a better time at school, but the anger has been with him from the begining. Its been a test for me and I have freaked out, givin up at times, and prayed alot. He has four younger siblings two of which stay with his dad. He has tried choking Aurora (which is his dads, girlfriend's, daughter) on several accounts. Not to any of the other siblings. I have asked him why and has nothing other than to say "I dont know I was just angry." So he knows that is he but doesnt know why. I am currently trying to get him in counciling through south coast, recommended from the school... If anyone has more info please help. Thanks

ERICA - posted on 06/11/2011

I have a 8 year old son that has ADHD ODD and conduct disorder they are to be the cause of the angry outburse we are in thepery once a week and on meds that seems to be helping but I was told by his doctor that it is common in boys that had ADHD to have odd and that later can turn into conduct disorder I hope this can help if u ever just need to talk please feel free to with me if you need you have a blessed day

Jacqueline - posted on 04/19/2011

PLEASE! give him MAGNESIUM!!! 95% of ADHD ar just kids deficient in magnesium and Zinc!!
Symptoms for magnesium deficiency are hyer arousal/ jhyperactivity . I crush a tablet up beyond recognition and mix it with honey. He then sucks it of the spoon! DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILD ANYTHING WITH ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER as many childrens vitamins have artificial sweeteners! - buy adult..do half srve - my child goes PSYCHO with anger if he consumes artificial sweetener!!

Alahnna - posted on 09/25/2010

My son is ADHD and he has major anger issues as well. What has seemed to help so far is helping him identify his emotions and what is making him angry, so he can learn strategies to help calm himself. We did a journal for a long time, trying to identify triggers as to what was setting him off on a tantrum and trying to identify ways of helping him calm down. One thing that has helped is sensory items. He will sit in front of the dishwasher every time it is on. I sat with him one day and asked him what we were doing, he told me we were listening to the woosh of the water and feeling the water swirling inside (he sits with his back right on the dishwasher door). When he's having a very hard day controlling his anger, I will turn the dishwasher on and he will sit there to calm himself sucking him thumb. He also has a soft plastic brush that he can use on his arm or just run his fingers over. This helps him calm, as well as children with Autism, this has proven to be very effective. Sometimes, just holding him and rocking back and forth will work as well, but he has to be held tight to feel secure.

Christy - posted on 09/23/2010

In my own experience, they go hand in hand. My son has also ODD and mood disorders so maybe there is more to your son's diagnosis?

Regina - posted on 09/23/2010

Yes they can go hand in hand due to ADHD kids feel the need to control things. They don't feel as in control of themselves or anything else around them so when they can't control a situation it results in anger that can be at times misdirected to someone who was not really the target of that anger. I am going through that with my son. We sat down with his therapist and made a Mad Plan. Which just describes what HE is going to do when HE gets mad. He was given the chance to tell how he would like to deal with his anger, and not let the anger control him. We gave him the opportunity to "control" the anger and how he deals with it. We are slowly learning that giving him the opportunity to control small portions of things gives him back the ability to believe in himself and not think that he has to stress on everything. My son has an anxiety/stress disorder to go with his ADHD which is what lead us down this path. Best of luck to you!!!

MJ - posted on 09/13/2010

Dealing with changes as your ADD/ADHD child has entered adolescence?

My daughter is 10, was diagnosed with ADD at age 6, and was on regular adderall for 2 yrs. About a year ago (4th gr.) we once again began a gradual dealing with more anger issues and mood swings, besides changes in her level of focusing, and comprehending instructions... Back to the frustration at not knowing the "why?" when she behaves badly, and "why?" when she has been doing so well until now. And then she is so sorry! I've had to remind her, and myself, that it's not her, it's the ADD; she is growing more and we probably just adjust the meds again until we get it right. I hate so to see her struggling once more. The first of the year, we began talking together about how her body was beginning to change with growing up (hormones, etc),.. then discussed it with her doctor. Her Rx was changed to adderall xr (extended release) , "once again finding what works for her". The change has made a difference, , but with time (and school starting) I've noticed that its still not quite right and so has she. Reading your comments is very timely as my child has an appt. on Fri. I've never heard of risperadone, let alone a combination of meds, but plan to ask her doctor about it. Using your words, Stephanie, I would so much like to see her "balanced out perfectly" (even close)! She knows best of all how wonderful it has made her feel to finally be able to do things only dreamed: like singing on stage or being part of a gymnastics show. I know she's frightened now that we won't find "what works" and as she expressed, "I don't even feel like I can be myself sometimes!" Well, whether risperadone or something else, with God's help she'll be okay! Thanks, Stephanie Wolf!

Jennifer - posted on 08/18/2010

yes anger is definally a part of ADHD my daughter is 9 and been diagnosed since she was 3 and her anger is very explosive try getting him help through mental health services we are working on getting her to realize when it is starting so she can find a safe place to calm down

Tracy - posted on 03/27/2010

My son was angry before the meds. Besides the Concerta he takes for ADD, he is on Abilify, which has been a life saver. It stabilizes his moods, from anger to crying from frustration. He also does not seem "drugged up."

Jewel - posted on 03/14/2010

My son, age 13 has been diagnosed with ADD...for couple of years now. We have tried numerous medications, & dealt with failing grades. He is now on Vyvanse, which originally at 20mg, he started or maintained GREAT grades. Now, his new Dr. upped the meds to 30mg & WOW...the ANGER...the "I don't care attitude"....I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. I'm a single Mom...he's also on 40mg of Strattera at night & 10mg of Prozac. But yes, I have noticed the increased anger...irritability, its "his way or the highway"..he's in counseling, but not so much help. Now his grades are starting to go downhill again....any suggestions?
The counselor is suggesting that I do "behavior charts" but I don't know if they are good for a 13yr old.

Kelly - posted on 02/25/2010

My son is almost 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD & ODD at 5. We have tried several meds like Daytrana, Stratera, even shots but none of them worked. He had the anger issues that your child does but I do believe it is the medications. The mood swings are very dramatic. Right now you have your child on a stimulant medication which is not helping him by stimulating a child that does not need it. Plus the meds need to be taken in a timely matter every day or you are just hurting yourself and your child.

Currently we are on a non-stimulant medication called Tenex. It is wonderful! Our son is finally starting to mature and that is helping to. But we noticed a big difference in the first 3 weeks of being on this medication. He has been on it since last August and we have no intention of switching. He has an appetiite, not as defiant, and has emotions but he is not so moody. In the beginning he had the socialism the same as our 4 year old. Now he is finally maturing into his 7 year old body and is learning that he can control himself, now if he would only do it all the of them time. But my husband and I are very hopeful and we are doing as much as we can to help him succeed in life.

Terri - posted on 02/20/2010

really

Terri - posted on 02/20/2010

bnfgre 54

Angel - posted on 02/17/2010

I would say yes as well. I have a 6 yr.old that has ADHD and let me tell you she has big anger problems. She is the youngest but when she is mad she has no problem hitting or kicking her brother or sister, who are 15 and 14 yrs. She will bite herself, pull hands full of hair out, hit her slef in the face or punch herself. Tells us she is ugly, and or blame others for her problems. She is seeing someone a few times a week. I am a strict parent and my other children would never of done things like this or the yelling ect. I now have the kid I would not let my other children play with when they were little. But if you have someone working with him it will get better.

Carrie - posted on 02/09/2010

I just took my son to the doctor to deal with his ADHD and his anger. I have no clue most of the time what makes his angry. I wanted to know anyone else has this problem? We are starting therapy and going to try meds.

Amy - posted on 01/26/2010

My son is turning 6 and we have seeking help in regards to his explosive anger. It just continues to escalate until he is to the point where he needs to be restrained so he doesn't hurt himself or destroy the house. He has just been diagnosed as ADHD but we have been dealing with the anger for a couple of years now.
He is in an anger management program which seems to be helping him to learn to vocalize his feelings instead of just going right to physical acting out.
I do believe they go hand in hand unfortunately.... my prayers are with you

Karen - posted on 01/26/2010

actually majawana or pott is much better than drugs. for older teens.i dont agree with it but its much safer than speed in the drugs they give them.

Karen - posted on 01/26/2010

First my son is now 16 but when he was grade 1 the doctors tried him on ritalin and dexathediams. Both caused him to have a split personality which turned into rages of anger. I remember why? My son pushed me down the stairs (whole set of them) then went up stairs and played the sony playstation. When his bigger sister asked where mum was he said I dont remember. My daughter found me down the bottom of the steps and I was found to break my neck. My son did not remember anything and was upset seeing his mum being taken away by the ambulance.

Now at 16 he is drug free and yes he still has anger issues but thanks to community access (Help for the disabled) he has learnt to control it and walk away. Yes anger is part of ADHD and ADD .and yes Obd

April - posted on 01/09/2010

However, your child's issue may be ODD if your child's oppositional behaviors:

■Are persistent
■Have lasted at least six months
■Are clearly disruptive to the family and home or school environment
The following are behaviors associated with ODD:

■Negativity
■Defiance
■Disobedience
■Hostility directed toward authority figures
These behaviors might cause your child to regularly and consistently show these signs and symptoms:

■Temper tantrums
■Argumentativeness with adults
■Refusal to comply with adult requests or rules
■Deliberate annoyance of other people
■Blaming others for mistakes or misbehavior
■Acting touchy and easily annoyed
■Anger and resentment
■Spiteful or vindictive behavior
■Aggressiveness toward peers
■Difficulty maintaining friendships
■Academic problems
if he has these problems have him test for odd which is oppositional defiant disorder

Jackie - posted on 01/09/2010

My daughter is 14 and has ADD. I do believe they have more issues with anger than the average child. She will blow up outta nowhere and then after a bit will calm down and be fine. She has done this for several years and so puberty is not the problem. She too refuses to take her meds and I am currently looking into the patch. It breaks my heart for her because she almost goes into a panic before a rage. I'm not sure what I can do to help her.

Darlynn - posted on 01/06/2010

I have a 17 year old son who has always had anger outburst. He is growing out of it, it seems or maybe finally able to control his actions. It's the hardest thing to deal with and I agree with Elizabeth, we are usually looked down on by others who don't know our situation. I used to get advice in stores from strangers! lol, as if they knew! My son has been in and out of counseling since he was 6 and I think it's helped. i wish he would continue to go but you know how teens are. My son started to self medicate as early as 13 with smoking pot... it's been a long struggle, we have ups and downs but I love him with all my heart and I'll never stop trying to get him help when/if he needs it. Good luck and keep your head up ;-)

Raquel - posted on 01/05/2010

In my case anger did not come along with ADHD. My son is 14 and was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 3. The outbursts of anger only happened in October when he finally was prescribed some medication. The doctor since then ajusted the dosage and the outbursts eventually disapeared. He's now a plain old nervewreckingly unfocused teenager...

Good luck.

Julie - posted on 01/01/2010

My son is now 19 years old & hasn't taken meds for years. He was only on meds for about 2 & 1/2 years when he started school. He does experience extremes in all emotions, I recommend counseling (although I cannot seem to get my son to understand the value of this at this point in time), and doing whatever you can to get them to understand their emotions and learn to deal with them in constructive manners.

Kathy - posted on 12/23/2009

Yes Anger is part of it. I had trouble with my son we are trying some new it meds that our docs. are trying they gave us samples but it is very new & it is pills. It has helped but we still have some anger problems. He has only been on them for a week but I can already see a difference in the anger & other problems.

Kara - posted on 12/23/2009

My son started out angry. I noticed it when he was 9 months old. However, I think this is a separate issue from ADHD. I say this because he has friends that also have ADHD that don't seem to have as bad of a temper. I do agree with some of these other moms that the "come down" from some of these meds make my son a bit more hyperactive. I've had my son seeing a therapist for some time and he does breathing exercises with him to help him calm down. If your son is old enough, it's six seconds in and six seconds out and they should repeat to themselves, quietly in their head, "I am calm and in control." The point of this is to stop the temper before it gets unmanageable. They don't want to fly off the handle and are usually embarrassed after the fact. It takes time to teach them this technique, but it does help.

Amanda - posted on 12/07/2009

My son is not on meds and he hasn't been tec. diagnosed yet. We've had the meetings with the school and know for sure that he has ADHD but not yet properly diagnosed. He wasn't angry until the last 2 years though. We are just now really seeing signs of the ADHD. He gets really angry and is very emotional. I think when a child can't understand something that is happening in his mind then that's when the anger comes. It's like if we were in a room with nothing but a bunch of really lound and crazy toys or things coming at us that's how they feel in their minds. So much is going on in there that they can't figure out and it just drives them crazy so they get frustrated and angry. I don't know what the best thing to do is and I feel your pain. I too would like to have the sweet fun loving son that use to be in our home back. I also have a son with Aspergers and they fight so much. It's really hard. If you get any advice with the anger issuse that helps please let me know. God Bless, Mandy

Stephanie - posted on 10/11/2009

I agree, I think most medications have that effect. When the medication is leaving their body they experience major mood swings. My son has been an adderal for almost 2 years now. It has been a battle but we started him on risperadone in the evening, and it has been a night and day difference! The mood swings are gone, i feel like i have my son back again. So for now we are in a good place with the medication choices we have made. He is on the adderll xr now which we love. It's just a process to find out what works and what doesn't. You will know when you find the right combination, because you will have a happy child! I was a bit nervous about starting the risperadone, but it has balanced him out perfectly. the aderal took the appetite away this helped increase the appetite, it helps him rest, and the moodiness is almost completely gone! So i have to say I am very happy with the choices i have made for him. It is a scary road to go down as a parent....you want to do what's ever best for your child. Good luck to you!

Kelly - posted on 10/11/2009

In my experience some adhd medication will make your child extra sensitive to all emotions i.e cry at the drop, get frustrated so easily. I in the past have just stayed calm and talked him through the hard times explaining to him this is why he feels like this and tomorrow is another day and of course ask your doctor is it's normal to have these outburst. My son still goes off sometimes but he is more aware of what is happening and he has learnt ova time and developed strataties that will make him feel better when hes feeling that way.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/17/2009

My son is 4 and he is not diagnosed yet but we suspect it is ADHD, and yes anger goes along with it, according to the doctor. I deal with the same thing. My son rages over the littlest thing and its very hard not to get angry myself b/c you get tired of telling him the samething over and over again and he doesn't stop. We are seeking help for him but his behavior is very negative. I am the stay at home mom, and its hard to find a school that will take him, not only that he can't behave in public, and other children don't want to play with him b/c he is so aggresive. I feel very discriminated against, b/c he can't help how he is, even my husband is somewhat in denial about it. Again I suspect ADHD b/c my brother had it. I hope it gets better.

Penny - posted on 09/16/2009

I want to say yes as well. My son was diagnosed at age 4 1/2. His temper was so out of control he was kicked out of pre-k for it and i had to enroll him in another school. He's going to be 13 in feb. and i can see the anger at times, or frustration in him alot and he IS on meds. He's in anger management classes and we are working through it.

Nancy - posted on 09/15/2009

Yes in my opinion. My son was diagnosed at age 7 and it has been a battle. I have noticed the anger issues over the years. I am now trying to seek counseling for him. I have researched and notice that finding some sought of sports or other activities can help, which I am also trying to do. But as a mom who works until 7pm it is almost impossible. It breaks my heart to see him go into a rage and then come appologizes and cries because he does not know why he acted that way. I only pray I can find some help.



I wish you all the best and let me know if you figure something out.

Nancy - posted on 09/15/2009

Yes in my opinion. My son was diagnosed at age 7 and it has been a battle. I have noticed the anger issues over the years. I am now trying to seek counseling for him. I have researched and notice that finding some sought of sports or other activities can help, which I am also trying to do. But as a mom who works until 7pm it is almost impossible. It breaks my heart to see him go into a rage and then come appologizes and cries because he does not know why he acted that way. I only pray I can find some help.



I wish you all the best and let me know if you figure something out.