M.R.
Sarah,
As a mom of a teen with ADD/ADHD for the last 10 yrs (she, too, was diagnosed when she was 7) the first bit of advice I can give you is PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE!!
Give yourself a time out to be able to deal with the situation in a calm manner =) (I've repeated to myself several times.. I love my daughter.... I love my daughter..lol)
Also, not every child is the same. You will find out with use of the patch whether or not it is the right medication for your child. I do agree to put it in different places so that your child doesn't get a rash from the medication. If this is not the right medication for your child, consult with your child's doctor about other medications. There are several out there. It's all trial and error unfortunately.
My daughter was on a couple of different ones before we found the right one that worked well for her. It's really unfortunate that she was kind of like a guinea pig trying the different medications before we found one that worked, but even the doctors don't know if the one that is prescribed will be the right one for the child until it is taken.
I can't tell you how to 'deal' with the behavior issues - again each child is different and at different stages. I just treated my child as if she was any other kid and gave her the same kind of punishment as any other child - i.e. time in the room, taking things away, etc. Just because my kid has this disabilty doesn't mean she can get away with things that are disrespectful, etc.
Also, I see some advice about non-medicating and using diet as a means of controlling ADD/ADHD. I'm not for or against this, however I do believe that you have to do what you think is best for your child.
Ten years ago, I wasn't aware of such things as diet changes to control ADD/ADHD, though I have taken into account of changing some of her eating habits to see if it does have an effect on her outbursts. Some have, some haven't. I do not buy anything with red dye in it anymore - cut out all junk food and limit the amount she eats totally. She's on Adderall XR and its SUPPOSED to cut her appetite.. but doesn't.
Good luck with your child and the medication. Keep in touch with your child's doctor and teachers in school on her progress - or lack thereof.
There is a yahoo group online that is a ADD/ADHD group/helpline/support group of sorts. The people on there medicate and also non-medicate and do the diet route. here is the link to join:
____@____.com