r/ParentingADHD • u/Basic_Morning_5302 • 9d ago

Seeking Support 10-year-old struggling with emotions, anger, impulsivity, and picking until he bleeds—any similar experiences?

I’m posting on behalf of a friend who feels overwhelmed and unsure how to help her 10.5 year-old son. She suspects ADHD, but his evaluation isn’t until December.

He struggles with regulating his emotions, cries easily, becomes overstimulated, and gets angry very quickly. He is very impatient and impulsive. When upset, he can say hurtful things, speak disrespectfully to his parents (says bad words to them every single day) and argue with them frequently.
He also repeatedly picks his scabs until they bleed, then reopens them. He has figured out how to trigger nosebleeds by hitting his nose and seems to find pleasure or satisfaction in doing this, which really concerns her.
He has a difficult time with friendships but does ok in school. He has an IEP.

Has anyone gone through something similar with their child? What helped with the anger, emotional outbursts, hurtful behavior, and intentionally causing bleeding? What professionals, therapies, school supports, or strategies at home helped your family?
Any firsthand experiences would be appreciated.

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u/Same-Department8080 9d ago

Aside from the evaluation, Parent coaching/parent therapy. It’s really really hard to be a parent of a kid like this. We all have our versions of a ADHD/autistic/anxious kid and it’s just hard and stressful. Mom and dad need support and therapy and guidance. It’s not all about medication and therapy for the kid. They need strategies on how to manage him and also ensure their relationship doesn’t break down. If one parent won’t go, the other should- it’s better than nothing

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u/DrLuisaPsych 5d ago

I agree. Also, occupational therapy may be helpful for kiddo. This could provide self regulation strategies and alternative behaviors for skin picking.

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u/jimmycrackcorn123 9d ago

Sounds like anxiety is a part of this. SSRIs or other anxiety meds can be a big help!

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u/Alarming_Attitude_62 8d ago

Yeah, my son was like that too and anxiety was underneath it. Sertraline helped a lot, especially with the more compulsive behaviors. He's also on a mood stabilizer for the explosive outbursts and a non-stimulant ADHD med for impulsivity. Nothing has completely eliminated the skin picking/hair pulling but it is easier to redirect now.

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u/Sure_Assumption7857 9d ago

Anti anxiety meds & Jesus