Can things get any worse?

[JeanneA]

Things just seem to be getting worse and worse here. I still cannot get Glen to School, he has been even more anxious/aggressive today. I had to give him all 3 tablets (diazepam) at different times as I was desperate to calm him down. When he is aggressive he hits his head so violently it is very concerning.

 

My husband and I have an appointment with the clinical psychologist and psychiatrist on Friday morning, I am going to ask for some sort of medication for Glen. I think he is depressed, he has all the classic signs of this, no interest in anything and won't go anywhere. I need something for him as none of us can go on like this.

 

Jeanne

[lisac]

Jeanne , ive been there . Medication ( Risperdal and epilim for mood control) was a life saver for all of us . It doesnt have to be forever , and if it makes him 'reset' and takes the edge off his aggression it is worth asking for . Once he is calmer you can gradually reduce it . Poor you , its horrible , good luck for Fri, x

[jaffacakes]

Have you investigated food intolerances? Having just had the worst couple of weeks with my son due to yeast I now realise just how much both gluten and yeast are having an effect on him.

 

*Hugs* to you all, it was only a few days ago that Ross was a raging bull and I was worried about our own safety, I hope you find a solution - even a temporary one, soon.

 

Lynn

[JeanneA]

Hi girls yes tried food intolences. I think Glen needs medication as which Lisa described. I will be asking for something on Friday I just can't go on like this.

[Meethoss]

I have to wonder if the fact that he's not going to school is part of the issue? I find that the less people do the more depressed they get. He spent so much time away from school when he was ill that it may be that all that has done has built up his anxieties about going to school and increased his depression which is further deepening because of his lack of social interaction and of keeping busy. Not necessarily right but something to consider maybe?

 

Hopefully the medication will break the cycle and he can get involved again and that should pick things up.

Edited March 3, 2010 by Meethoss

[trekster]

Have you investigated food intolerances? Having just had the worst couple of weeks with my son due to yeast I now realise just how much both gluten and yeast are having an effect on him.

 

*Hugs* to you all, it was only a few days ago that Ross was a raging bull and I was worried about our own safety, I hope you find a solution - even a temporary one, soon.

 

Lynn

 

i was the same within 3 days of going gluten and dairy free i was much happier. Also liquid risperidal contains benzoates which really mess up my system. Does glenn have benzoates in his diet? For me they were worse than the gluten and dairy affects.

 

[JeanneA]

I am certain Glen is depressed and he needs something to get him out of it. I am struggling with him and am praying that the psychiatrist prescribes something tomorrow. School is a big part of the problem Glen has never liked School and it is always the place he least wants to go.

[coolblue]

I would agree with the other posters that diet should be looked at first, especially if Glen has frequent viral infections. I experienced a huge change in my energy levels when I became a vegetarian and started eating wholefoods. No more depression, no more lethargy. I'm not suggesting it was being a vegetarian that made the difference, but that my nutrient intake was much much better because I was eating many more vegetables. I can't get my children to do that, although they are getting better, but have made sure that they get a really good multi-mineral, multi-vitamin supplement.

 

Having taken what psychiatrists prescribe, I can say that sometimes medication works. But because depression can be caused by a lot of different things, it's a bit hit and miss as to whether you get something that makes it go away. Medication in itself is risky, particularly with someone with autism, who, by definition, won't have a 'normal' physiology. See the psychiatrist by all means, but do look at his diet.

 

cb

[Sally44]

What type of school is he in.

Have you been unable to get him into school for some time?

Does he have a Statement and if so do you think it meets all his needs and do you think the placement is the right one?

If the behaviour is due to school issues then although medication might help everyone cope for the time being, you need to seriously investigate the placement with a view to either changing it or it being more appropriate and meeting his needs.

 

If he has been out of school for some time and it is anxiety about the transition and he is okay once they get him into school, then you need to be looking at a gradual return to school.

 

But obviously something is making him very unhappy.

[Karen A]

Things just seem to be getting worse and worse here. I still cannot get Glen to School, he has been even more anxious/aggressive today. I had to give him all 3 tablets (diazepam) at different times as I was desperate to calm him down. When he is aggressive he hits his head so violently it is very concerning.

 

My husband and I have an appointment with the clinical psychologist and psychiatrist on Friday morning, I am going to ask for some sort of medication for Glen. I think he is depressed, he has all the classic signs of this, no interest in anything and won't go anywhere. I need something for him as none of us can go on like this.

 

Jeanne

 

Hi.

I am sorry Glen is still not doing so well.

I could kick myself.When you posted a few days ago I wondered about depression.I know that depression is often missed in people with learning difficulties because it is expressed in different ways.I nearly posted to suggest it but was not brave enough. <'>

Even if medication is not the complete answer it may help to give Glen enough of a lift in the short term to help you all get through the current difficulties.

Although the diazepam has been your best option it may not help if Glen is depressed.I think you do need some expert input and hope that the psychiatrist and psychologist are useful.You must be getting tired out yourself. <'>

Karen.

Edited March 4, 2010 by Karen A

[Tally]

Diet isn't the first thing that springs to mind here. Viral illness is a common trigger for depressive episodes. Seeing the psychiatrist seems like a sensible thing to do now. I hope they can help get Glen through this difficult time.

[trekster]

I am certain Glen is depressed and he needs something to get him out of it. I am struggling with him and am praying that the psychiatrist prescribes something tomorrow. School is a big part of the problem Glen has never liked School and it is always the place he least wants to go.

 

Will he take b6 and magnesium or other b supplements? They sorted out my depression also 5htp had me sleeping better within 3 days.

[JeanneA]

Hi trekstar what is 5htp? I am hoping the psychiatrist will be able to help. I am able to give Glen B6 supplements.

Edited March 4, 2010 by JeanneA

[JeanneA]

I heard from the manager at respite this afternoon, she said that they will try and get Glen to School from Tuesday to Friday next week whilst he's at respite, they are going to take one day at a time. If I can't get Glen to School on Monday I am taking him to respite in the afternoon and they will take it from there. It will be interesting to see what happens. Hubby and I do need a break (sorry if this sounds selfish) so I hope Glen is there a couple of days if nothing else.

[trekster]

Diet isn't the first thing that springs to mind here. Viral illness is a common trigger for depressive episodes. Seeing the psychiatrist seems like a sensible thing to do now. I hope they can help get Glen through this difficult time.

 

Tallys made an excellent point, i read a paper recently that mentioned probiotics could help with depression.

[Meethoss]

Hubby and I do need a break (sorry if this sounds selfish) so I hope Glen is there a couple of days if nothing else.

 

That doesn't sound selfish at all, in fact if you think about it it's selfless. Compare it to oxygen masks on a plane - they tell you to put yours on before others which at first thought makes you think that it contradicts your position as a parent, for instance. However, if you think more in to it it really makes sense - you could pass out half way to getting the mask on your child's face and then you both die, or you could put yours on first and even if the child passes out the child will still live because it takes a while longer after passing out for someone to die.

 

So, logic actually dictates that taking a break from your child is actually a way of helping them as you will recuperate and be able to take better care of them.

 

Tallys made an excellent point, i read a paper recently that mentioned probiotics could help with depression.

 

Don't believe everything you read...most recent studies have indicated that the majority of probiotic yoghurt drinks, to which I assume you are referring, have very little "good bacteria" and in fact have little effect on our systems.

 

[trekster]

That doesn't sound selfish at all, in fact if you think about it it's selfless. Compare it to oxygen masks on a plane - they tell you to put yours on before others which at first thought makes you think that it contradicts your position as a parent, for instance. However, if you think more in to it it really makes sense - you could pass out half way to getting the mask on your child's face and then you both die, or you could put yours on first and even if the child passes out the child will still live because it takes a while longer after passing out for someone to die.

 

So, logic actually dictates that taking a break from your child is actually a way of helping them as you will recuperate and be able to take better care of them.

 

Don't believe everything you read...most recent studies have indicated that the majority of probiotic yoghurt drinks, to which I assume you are referring, have very little "good bacteria" and in fact have little effect on our systems.

 

i agree that taking a break from your kid is a good idea. The paper i read was a scientific one and im not sure if they meant the drinks or the capsules. i think it helps my depression though along with b50 supplements and occasional 5htp.

[coolblue]

i agree that taking a break from your kid is a good idea. The paper i read was a scientific one and im not sure if they meant the drinks or the capsules. i think it helps my depression though along with b50 supplements and occasional 5htp.

 

 

Probiotics have been used prior to surgery for patients who have been on antibiotics. Probiotics have been found to reduce the risk of MRSA infection post -surgery. You need to watch 5-HTP - it can affect heart and blood pressure. Also serotonin levels that are too high or too low can affect mood - so ideally you need to know what's happening with your serotonin before medication.

[lisac]

Jeanne, the respite sounds a good idea. Sometimes just a change can alter our lads behaviour for the better. Ive often dropped mine off at respite wondering how on earth they'll cope when he's been really really challenging and been waiting for the phone to ring all weekend, yet when ive picked him up, he's been fine! Sometimes we can get caught up in negativeness which maybe your son has done, sort of like a habit, and this may break it, so you may not even need to use the meds yet ( if you get any) . Let us know how you get on , fingers crossed for you, x

[JeanneA]

Hi I just want to say thanks for all the support on here it means such a lot!

 

My husband Carl has just gone for the meeting this morning with the psychologist and psychiatrist, Carl and I tried to get Glen into School, Glen's teacher came out to help us but the only way we could have got Glen into School is by forcing him which we didn't think was the answer. I'm at home now looking after Glen. I hope Carl comes back with some medication for Glen to take he needs something. I will let you all know how he gets on.

 

Thanks for your comments Lisa its just all getting too much at the moment, just hoping for something to come out of this meeting.

[JeanneA]

Hi my husband Carl saw the psychiatrist she prescribed risperidone one 1mg tablet twice a day (one at night and one in the morning) to try for Glen. Also Glen is going to have a mental health assessment in Northampton at a mental health hospital but it could take up to 6 months from now before a bed becomes available but they are going to push for it. The assessment would take 6 - 8 weeks, which would mean Glen would be living there during the week from Monday to Friday and coming home at the weekends. After the assessment depending on what treatment the professionals decide is best for Glen he could be there up to 6 months in total. We can't go on like this something has to be done and we think as a family this could be good for Glen, he needs professional help it is awful to see him like he is at the moment.

 

[minerva]

My son is also on Respiradone but a lower does, 0.5mg twice a day. This has helped us no end! He isnt any different in himself......but he longer has "meltdowns", since being on it he has much more normal and easier to control moods.

 

Good luck & thinking of you :-)

[lisac]

Glad you got some meds sorted . The most Risperdal my son has been on a day is 4.5ml ( when hes been really bad) . Remember you dont have to make any rash decisions re the residential mental health assessment ( wondering why my son was never offered this , ive never heard of it before) A psychiatrist once looked at my son and diagnosed psychosis on the spot! The Risperdal alone may very well sort your son out , x

[JeanneA]

Thanks for your comments I do hope the medication will help any idea how long it would take to notice a difference in the child? I do think the mental health assessment is a good idea at the end of the day I will then have to decide after the assessment what is best if the professionals say it is in Glen's interests to stay there for treatment then I will have to think about this and give my permission or not as the case will be. Glen needs help there is no doubt and I guess I am lucky enough to be offered this help I have to look at it that way.

I am sorry to hear Lisa your son wasn't offered something like this it is surprising that he wasn't, sometimes unfortunately it depends on where you live, which it shouldn't.

Edited March 5, 2010 by JeanneA

[Karen A]

Thanks for your comments I do hope the medication will help any idea how long it would take to notice a difference in the child? I do think the mental health assessment is a good idea at the end of the day I will then have to decide after the assessment what is best if the professionals say it is in Glen's interests to stay there for treatment then I will have to think about this and give my permission or not as the case will be. Glen needs help there is no doubt and I guess I am lucky enough to be offered this help I have to look at it that way.

I am sorry to hear Lisa your son wasn't offered something like this it is surprising that he wasn't, sometimes unfortunately it depends on where you live, which it shouldn't.

 

 

<'> <'> <'> <'>

Even when you know that Glen needs more specialist help than you can give him at the current time and you are glad to be offered the help I think it is still not an easy step for you all.

Karen.

 

[lisac]

Well if he is that unhappy , its got to be a positive thing . I guess after the assessment it will be getting the meds right for Glen ? Lets hope you get some answers . Risperdal, i found about 5 days to kick in , x

 

[JeanneA]

No Karen it isn't an easy step at all, ideally I do not want Glen to be sent away but it seems it is the only way. If I don't then things will just carry on as they are, at least an assessment I can then decide what to do from there. I know I am lucky to be offered with for Glen as not everyone would have this chance.

[Kathryn]

At least something is happening for you now. Risperidone can a be a huge help in controlling severe anxiety for some people - I hope it helps Glen and that the assessment happens soon.

 

<'>

 

K x

[JsMum]

posted on your assessments post, sorry hadnt realised you are getting an assessment sorted out, but the info I linked is still interesting and may be able to push the date forward, 6 months wait for a bed could be distaterous and I thought there was always an emercency bed, glad that he has some medication to be supporting him, Im looking into the benefits of Prozac for my son who has Anxiety, but that would be hard because J refuses all meds the only thing he agrees to take is Melatonin and Valerian.

 

Good Luck

 

JsMumxxxx

 

[dooday24]

hi how old is yr son ??

we r are having lots of probs with my 12yr old who has just started mainstream secondry school andhes not coping too well

my son gets very violent towards me and can atack me for 2 and a half hrs at a time x hedosnt make freinds very easily

and has become very down x i av always been against giving him antidepressants ..... he is on melatonin which he will only take wen he wants to

but got so bad in the summer hols we decided to speak to the dr at camhs and he said mayb a very low dose of prozac wud lower his anxiety !!!

so we r giving it a trial hes been on it 2 and a half weeks and avnt seen any change yet can take up2 6 weeks

good luk with everything

donna xx

[JeanneA]

Hi Donna just spotted your post, I put this read up so long ago now. My son Glen who is now 18, has been in a care home since May 2011. It was a difficult decision to make but we felt for my son's safety and for our's it was the best thing to do. His aggression was just getting worse all the time. He wasn't going to school in the end, there was no way we could get him there. Then he had a mental health assessment for 16 weeks. Then not long after that we managed to get Glen into a care home. He has good and days and bad days but it was definitely the right decision.

 

I do feel for you because I went through what you are going through now, you just have to keep fighting to get more help, to get these so called professionals to listen to you. Please keep us updated. :-)