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After speaking with my daughter's pediatrician on February 4th, my oldest was referred to both a psychiatrist and a developmental pediatrician. A week ago today, we went to see the psychiatrist.
I know that I posted previously about the psychologist who was trying to pressure me into putting my daughter on stimulants when neither the pediatrician nor I am comfortable with it. Well, she also made a failed attempt to guide the psychiatrist appointment as well. (I truly feel that she did this, although I can't prove it.) She sent home a questionnaire to be completed by the hubby, my daughter's teacher, and I. After a little research, I found that this questionnaire is basically used to diagnosed ADHD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), not much else.
So, we reported to the psychiatrist's office and when I handed over the results of the questionnaire, she immediately started talking about ADHD, etc. Yes, I know my daughter is ADHD. What I want to know is why she cried for help! When I intergected that my oldest had threatened suicide, the conversation took a very different turn. She watched my oldest as we spoke, then she excused her and simply told me "she is definately depressed!" To be completely honest, until that day, I didn't fully realise how depressed my oldest was.
The only question is which to treat...the ADHD or the depression. With some carefully asked questions to my oldest, she and I decided that the depression is most important to treat. Saturday, my oldest started on a regimen of Welbutrin and Melatonin (to help with sleep).
So far, I haven't seen much change, but anti-depressants can take time, this I know.
Poor Alyssa! I am so sorry you guys are going through this. I think of and pray for you often. Love you guys! Let me know if there's anything I can do? Does the psych know why she's depressed? Does Alyssa? Depression is something that runs in my family, so I know how hard it is to sometimes determine a sole reason for Depression to trigger. I'm just now pulling myself out of a round of seasonal/TTTC depression. It's hard, but please encourage her to try her best to keep a positive attitude and not give into those negative feelings. That's something I've learned is super helpful. When you start to feel sad, go do something. Be active. Endorphins are your best friend. Wanting to get better is also needed. Poor thing. She is so young for this to have already started. I hope it improves soon!
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ReplyDeleteThank you! I am a 17 year sufferer of PTSD, so I know all about depression. That in and of itself could be contributing to Alyssa's depression. Apparently kids are 30% more likely to suffer with depression if their parents are depressed. Also, both of Alyssa's grandmother's are bi-polar.
What contributes most to her depression is her lack of social skills. She has no friends. Her therapist is trying to work on social skills with her and I try to be as supportive as I can.
Thank you for the prayers! They mean a lot!
Ameriah