Friday, July 16, 2010

Yup

So, I'm pretty sure that my daughter has ADHD and/or some sort of depression or anxiety issue. This kid fits the description for the HD part of this to a T and has for years. Here's what Wikipedia says:
"
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type symptoms may include:[34]
Fidget and squirm in their seats
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
and also these manifestations primarily of impulsivity:[34]
Be very impatient
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
"

She also has serious anger issues and can be very mean and disrespectful. And the topping on this cake is that she honestly seems like she just can't control herself sometimes!

I've been saying I should take her in for an evaluation for years... I'm at my wits end right now and have been for months, so I think I'm going to have to break down and do it. I don't want my child to have to be on medication, or to have the 'stigma' of a diagnosis like this, but I honestly don't know how much more of her behavior I can take!

So, anyone out there have experience with these types of things? Any advice? I've tried cutting sugar out wherever I can (and not substituting fake sugars), we've tried just about every form of discipline out there. All to no avail.

It's interfering with our family significantly. My daughter will be 6 next month. My son will be 3 in December and is starting to pick up a lot of her behavior. I spend so much time disciplining my daughter that neither one of my kids gets enough positive quality time with me!

I don't know what to do.