Need 2Nd Opinion

Updated on January 30, 2007
W.M. asks from Lewisville, TX
12 answers

I need a 2nd opinion on a son with ADHD that is 8 yrs old. He has been on meds since he was 5 years. We started with Adderall which was a nightmare all he did was cry and since that he has been on Concerta they did try Strattera when it came out but it didn't help. He is on the highest does possible of Concerta and it isn't making a difference. His teacher says he can't sit still or focus on anything. We have lived here for almost 3 years and the Dr. he sees now hasn't changed his meds just increased them, now she is telling me he needs a psychiatrist because she can't help him anymore. So I am looking for a pediatrician in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, or Coppell areas if anyone knows anyone that is great with kids with ADHD please let me know, he teacher is at her wits end. He is a very loving and sweet child and very smart but he isn't able to focus and get the grades I know he can.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Boy what a weekend I am trying my best to have all the knowledge I need and have been since we were told my son had ADHD but it all seems so overwhelming. I am going to call a psychiatrist on Monday which was hard to find one that deals with kids and take ins. I figure we would start there and see what happens and I am also going to see a different Dr for my kids. Anyone know or see Dr Mark Holt in Coppell?

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi W.,

I would seek the advice of a nutritionist or dietician. Eating whole foods, especialy fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains and avoiding processed (pre-packaged) foods, fast foods and dairy can make a huge difference in ADD/ADHD. All the pharmaceutical drugs out there attempt to treat the symptoms but a nutritionist can help you address the cause.

Hope this helps!

M.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Dallas on

Have you considered the Block Center: www.blockcenter.com ?
She's located in Hurst, which is a bit further than you mention, but we are very fortunate to have her in the DFW area.
Dr. Block is an international expert on treating ADD/ADHD without drugs and working with families to transition the kids off the drugs using a variety of methodologies (she finds that hidden food allergies are a common cause of ADD/ADHD). My own son's issue has resolved tremendously since going on a gluten-free/casein-free diet. The big thing we still have to watch is the artificial colors. Dr. Block has written an excellent book that's a useful guide to parents:
"No More ADHD" http://www.amazon.com/More-ADHD-M.-Ann-Block/dp/096655453...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from Denver on

I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Lisa Genecov in Dallas. She is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician (she specializes in children with these issues). Here is some information on her:

http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/pr...

I have heard it can take awhile to get an appointment..but worth the wait.

good luck!

R.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.

answers from Dallas on

Dear W.,
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know from experience how frustrating and painful it is to search for medical help for your child. He is lucky that you are willing to be a warrior for him. :)
I know you want someone closer, but please consider Deborah Baine. I'm not sure if I have both spellings correct...sorry. But, I am sure of who she is. She practices in Frisco. I know that is far away, but, once your son's meds. are stable and he is feeling good, you can always see someone closer for routine stuff. Anyway, Dr. Baine used to live by us in Plano years ago, which is how I first met her. She's lovely and caring. But, even more importantly. She somewhat specializes in ADD & ADHD. Her own son has it and she manages it through diet. She is not opposed to meds. and does prescribe them, but she always looks at food and chemical sensitivies first. There was a big article on her in the Dallas Morning News about a year ago. Anyway, it sounds like you need someone willing to do some investigating as opposed to just throwing meds. at your child and upping the dose when they don't work.
I don't know what your feeling is about dietary changes. For some reason, I know a lot of people are just opposed to considering it. My own (former) pediatrician thinks changing your diet is the same as voodoo. My thought is if voodoo works for just one person...I'd be willing to try it. :) Certainly what we injest affects us. I personally know several families who have adopted special diets for their children and had real success. BTW, my son has a totally different medical situation but we are looking into dietary changes and supplements.
There is another Dr. that I highly recommend...Dr. Seshegeri Rao in Carrollton. He is who we are working with now. He is an Immunologist/Allergist and will search and search for a way to help your son. He's awesome.
I'm sorry this is so long. I hope you find some help for your sweet boy.
P.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Dallas on

Try MD Pediatrics in Lewisville (they also have practices in Coppell and Flower Mound). Dr. Holt works with a lot of ADD/ADHD children and teens.

Look on their website as they have a few pages on ADD/ADHD www.mdpedi.com

I have the number for their office ###-###-####

I wish you luck with this. I know how hard it is to see your child suffer...I've been there just not with ADHD.

Hugs to you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Dallas on

HI, W., I empathize with you. It seemed like I spent years dragging my son from doc to doc with no improvement. I had to take my son all the way to Ft Worth to the child study center to have him tested for it to be covered on my insurance. If you want to stay with your doctor, she needs to refer you to a psychiatrist, if you have insurance and you need to stay in network. I have also used Dr. Charles "Mike" Rios. He is in Lewisville but he does not accept any insurance.

I would also suggest you check his diet. My son was drinking gatorade at lunch. And maybe he just needs a different teacher. I have 2 children in special education and the teachers made all the diffference in the world.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.O.

answers from Dallas on

W.,
I know it sounds odd, but really the psychiatrist is the correct doctor to go to..... my child is on meds too and I went to the regular doctor first and after have a miserable time with that, we went to Dr. Burgos in Dallas. He is a psychiatrist and this is what psychiatrists do all day long.

So don't feel like the doc is brushing you off, though I would still find a new one, consider it being referred to a specialist. Psychiatrists have the most current data on all these issues ADHD, Asperger's, ODD, PPD, etc. and they are going to be the ones who REALLY know, whereas the regular docs are covering many, many areas of medicine with little time to focus on this subject.

Go to a psychiatrist for this kind of medication.

K.M.

answers from Dallas on

have you gone to school with your son or asked if there was a way to video document his in classroom behaivior to help treatment?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Dallas on

W.,
I would reccommed taking him to a psyhciatrist instead of a pediatrician. Call the cooks referral network and ask them for a cooks mental health clinic. That will be a pediatric psychiatrist. You want to be sure you are taking him to someone who sees kids of mental health reasons all day, not someone who typically treats physical health. Good luck, I know it is hard.
Emily
http://www.cookchildrens.com/

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have a 9 year old son who is on Concerta 54mg. We recently added Ritalin at 2:30pm for him. He was having trouble later in the day. This combination has really helped. The Concerta only stays in your body for 8-10 hours. The Ritalin stays between 4 and 5 hours. Therefore, as the Concerta is wearing off, the Ritalin takes over and carries him through the rest of the day. This might be an option to talk over with your doctor.

I know it's a challenge having a sweet child who you know is loving and yet you want to just scream at the top of your lungs sometimes because his actions are so frustrating. If you ever want to talk, email me anytime.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Dallas on

I would really take a look at nutrition. He doesn't have ADHD because his body is low on Concerta. Just like you don't have a headache because you suffer from a lack of aspirin... There's something else going on there. Medication might certainly be a part of his treatment, but it shouldn't be all of it. I have heard of the gluten-free, dairy-free diets working, and my neighbor noticed improvement with her child after cutting out food dyes. I have also heard of success after supplementing with glyconutrients. I don't know any of these people personally, but you might want to check it out. The company that owns the patent on glyconutrient supplements is Mannatech and they are based here in Coppell. They have guest speakers talk about glyconutrients every Tuesday night at their corporate office. It's near Grapevine Mills mall -- on the opposite side of 121, behind Fellowship Church, on Royal. Website is www.mannatech.com.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hello,

I work with children who have ADHD. I would recommend place that will provide him with skills training and not just medication. If you check out the Dallas Child Magazine they typically have adds for drs, psychologists etc that specialize in ADHD. Hope this helps.

C.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions