meds for aggression/ impulsivity

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2006
meds for aggression/ impulsivity
2
Sat, 07-01-2006 - 8:15pm

I don't post often (barely have time to lurk w/ 4 kids), but I value tremendously the voices of experience on this board. You folks are often my only validation that I'm NOT a terrible mother and that I will get through the hard days.

DS (8) is my Aspie, with some possible other issues undiagnosed. My biggest problem these days is his impulsivity/ aggression when he's frustrated or angry. He will blow up in a nano-second when something doesn't go his way, or even if he knows he's done something wrong, but doesn't like the consequences being given. Everything is a battle, always verbal with me, but physical with his brother (6, NT). My heart breaks for my younger guy, who is often on the receiving end of his fury. They have typical sibling arguements, but they almost always escalate to a point where he's getting injured in some way by his (much bigger/ stronger) older brother. I truly don't think he means him harm, he just can not control himself. With two little ones (20 mo. & 4 mo.) to care for, I just can't be in the room with them all the time. I've had to seperate them quite often, but that is difficult since they share a bedroom. DH has been adamant about not medicating until we've exhausted all other efforts. I'm beginning to think meds may be necessary, for my sanity and my other DS's safety.

Just wondering if anyone else has similar issues with their Aspie, or is this something else I'm dealing with here? There were some "red flag behaviors" noted in his psych. eval. last summer when he was first Dx with AS, possibly Bipolar or ADHD, but not enough to say for sure. Maybe it's just that school's out and he has to adjust to spending his days with all of us instead of a more controlled school environment?

Any advise is appreciated.

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 07-01-2006 - 10:15pm

IMO I would have him tested for the ad/hd and the bi polar. I was the same about medicating my DS age 13 and it finally got to the point I had NO choice he was becomming to hard to keep under control. The one medication I tried and figured out quickly wasn't going to cut it was Strattera. It may work for your son but mine it made him wan to fight every one he looked at including me. Talk to your doctor they can be a good source of help.. But first off make sure you get him tested..

Hugs

Tina

 

Avatar for googolplex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Sun, 07-02-2006 - 12:41am

It sounds like medication might be a good thing to consider. My son has been on a mood stabilizer and an atypical antipsychotic for almost two years, and it's made such a difference. Starting at about age 3, he used to fly into a screaming rage every time you offered him a spoon for his yogurt, accidently bumped into him, or ANYTHING. And when he wasn't raging, he was dancing on a wet bathroom counter, looking at his own bare bottom in the mirror and shouting rude things. It was very stressful on the family, especially before we came to realize that he couldn't help it.

I remember when I suddenly realized that something was going on in his brain and that he could NOT control himself. It was like, "OMG! This poor kid is *scared* of what's happening to him." We found a developmental pediatrician and told her every detail we could, and she dx him with AS and "mood disorder NOS". The meds have been a real lifesaver. We were lucky in that we found a good combination right away.

I remember when he'd been on the meds for a couple of days (weeks?) and we began to see the genuine smile of a content little boy. It had been so long! I get teary just thinking about it. Contrary to popular media images, it didn't turn him into a zombie or take away his personality. It brought him back. And his little brother no longer had to spend so much time hiding in his room.

On the other hand, the wrong medications can cause problems, so it's essential that you have good communication with the doctor, and read up on the meds he prescribes and the diagnoses he makes. If you have a question or something doesn't feel right, say so. If he doesn't respond well to one medication, another one in the same class might work wonders for him.

Good luck!

Evelyn