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It sounds like the Depakote wasn't cutting it, and maybe the Abilify will help - but before you consider placement, I think you may want to explore the med options first.
My daughter found the best stability ever with Lamictal, seroquel and risperdal. She takes a fairly low dose of each, but she needs all 3.
Abilify can be activating to some children, so pay attention to his mood.
Do you chart / keep track of his daily moods?
-KathleenView Thread

Maybe an add on anti-psychotic would be helpful also....has that been tried before?
-KathleenView Thread

I just worry when your step-son gets older.....his behavior will become worse, he will be stronger and more harm will be done.
That's too bad his father is ignoring or minimizing his son's behavior.
Take care of yourself and your little one!
-KathleenView Thread

What are his doses of risperdal, seroquel and geodon?
My daughter has had great success with Lamictal - depakote made her worse.
I know medication is very individual, what works great for one child, can be a disaster for the next.
Does his psychiatrist have any suggestions?
Sorry for all the questions, but its helpful to have a bit more info.
Thanks!
-KathleenView Thread

This situation is made extra difficult because his parents are divorced, and not on the same page as far as getting this little guy help that he really needs.
Frankly, you are just the step-mom, and if his parents don't see the need to get him help - he won't get any.
The best case scenario would be for you to be able to convince your husband (and the mom) to seek out treatment.
I would suggest you first doing some homework by finding a really good, smart Child Psychiatrist (here a link)
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/child_and_adolescent_psychiatrist_finder/child_and_adolescent_psychiatrist_finder
Next, set up an appointment for you and your husband to go talk to him/her about his son (without the step-son there).
When you meet with the Dr. have a list of behaviors you want to discuss and see what the Dr. says.....
Maybe if your husband hears from someone else (other than you), that there is something wrong, he will be more open to treatment.
This is really tough, and now there is a little person watching her brother act out - and honestly, it could become dangerous for her as the little guy gets older and stronger, because its doubtful his melt-downs and anger will just stop on their own.
Take care, and write back anytime.
-KathleenView Thread

The psychiatrist should be able to give you ideas of how to present the medication or even switch your son to a liquid.
Take care,
-KathleenView Thread

My daughter was on Abilify for 2-months, and it was a disaster for her.....she was more anxious, more irritable, and became very angry.
It is very important to take note when a child becomes worse on a medication, especially when he talks of self-harm.
I would call his Psychiatrist today, and schedule an appt. ASAP to discuss other med options.
Take care,
-KathleenView Thread

It all gets very complex, and that is why I would bring it up to his psychiatrist to sort out with you and your son.
My daughter did a med trial with lexapro, and it did make her more sexually driven (at age
, and when we discontinued it, that behavior went away.I also found it really helpful to write down in a journal how my daughter was acting / responding to a new med trial or dose.
That way when you go in to the Dr. you can refer back to your journal for more accurate information.
Everyday I would write a little blurb about her day and make note of her mood and behaviors.
I hope this helps a bit, take care,
-KathleenView Thread

Is this evaluation with a Child Psychiatrist?
Are you a stay-at-home mom who can be with your daughter when she refuses to attend school?
Has the school offered any assistance?
-KathleenView Thread

Your family needs support - have you looked into your local NAMI organization? If not, I highly suggest you doing so.
Does your daughter have a good psychiatrist ? I also would find reallllllllly good psychologist (preferably female) that your daughter can bond with. Once you find one, the family can go in and learn how to interact with your daughter in a productive / positive manner.
I'm sorry this happened, but hopefully your daughter will feel better now, knowing she can share her feelings with professionals and her family.
Take care,
-KathleenView Thread
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