[lilybugs]

I adopted J at ten days old. We lived through violent toddler years and he is finally nonviolent at 13. However, he is depressed all the time, hearing (at least he says he is, it's hard to tell if he is telling truth...he is dx'd RAD too) voices, having probs with classmates at school (I've called or been there twelve times in four weeks) and is generally disrespectful and edgy. He is clingy to me, which makes me think he IS hearing things. I just see meltdown written in our near future and I hate to have to put him in hospital. The stigma at school doesn't help. What am I doing wrong, why can't I help my son? He has a good pdoc and is on two of the last chance type of antipsychotics, yet he is not able to control impulse (mouth, actions), thinks everyone but me is out to get him and just seems to be slipping further into a bad place everyday.
Any advice?
S

[dmca]

Lilybugs,
I had a foster son for five years with schizophrenia.
I could always tell when he was in an episode. He was only about a foot away from me, no matter where I was. What I did was join a support group for parents of children with schizophrenia. We compared, got information, had our children meet, and even had a wonderful psychiatrist that helped us through situations. If it didnt' happen to me, I knew it eventually would happen.
I had to constantly remind B that the lion, leprauchaun, natural disaster on the other side of the world would not hurt him. Poor child.
B finally did get a medicine that worked for him. Clozoril, I think the name was. Something close to that. Can't remember. It was drastic but worked. The longer he was on it, the better he became.
Try a support group , I think that will give you some comfort and perhaps some answers you didn't know about. Big hugs
dmca

[lilybugs]

Dear DMCA,
There are no groups here. I've looked. I'm pretty much on my own. (nonfamily speaking). THanks for the idea though~!
Susan

[zebramom]

Currently we are using a combo of Risperdal, Propanolol and Straterra. My DS is 13 as well, and with puberty in full swing, it's a roller coaster. Just when we get meds figured out, he gets another dump of hormones, and it messes with everything.

We are also doing work with bio-med. Changes in diet and adding natural supplements. It has been working VERY well. He has gone from a raging lunatic, to someone I enjoy being around (most of the time). Check out attachasd : Adoption, Attachment & Autism Spectrum for more information.

[lilybugs]

Thank you both for your replies. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get back to you but life has been hectic here.
I appreciate your input. J cannot stake straterra but the change we just made from Geodon to risperdal seems to have made a huge positive difference~!
Susan

[lilybugs]

J became violent recently and we had to take him to ER as his pdoc was on vacation and doesn't leave anyone in his place. There was no local facility available so they took him by police car to a place four hours away (I couldn't visit due to my MS, I can't drive that long). I almost took him out of the ER when I hear where they were taking him, so far away...but even his own pdoc (who did call me by phone at ER) said if I took him home and he hurt someone, *I'd* be arrested! I had no choice. They kept him six days and totally messed up his meds. He came home higher than a kite, not eating or sleeping and nasty at the same time. Even tho we talked to the phosp pdoc every day, she ignored us when we told her the meds she was using made him manic, she put him on some of them anyway and took him OFF the one med that worked. Since he is home, we weened him off (pdoc approved) the AD, the risperdal and put him back on clozapine. He is still grumpy a lot, but sooooooo much more like himself without the violence. You try to get help and they make a bigger mess. It's unbelievable!

[DebCsMom]

lilybugs,

I'm sorry to hear about your son. It is SOOOOO hard to get them stable & then to have someone mess that all up!!! I am glad he is home & is getting better!

Our DD is almost 5. We've had her since she was 1 1/2 days old. She was diagnosed with Early Onset Bi-Polar & PDD/NOS. An Autism Spectrum Disorder. No history was given to us about ANY mental health issues other than severe depression. Ends up now that the severe depression is most likely undiagnosed Bi-Polar.

When she was 3 years old I would be afraid of her! Her violence was so bad I was scared she would severely hurt herself or one of us. Her rages were intense, lasting for a couple hours sometimes. Leaving my husband & I emotionally & physically drained at the end. She would have these rages a coupe to a few times a DAY!

She is now stable for the most part. It was mentioned a few times to hospitalize her. We just couldn't do it, not at her age. They were talking at about a 4week stay for her!!! NO WAY! Anyway, she is now on Lithium, Risperadal & Levothyroxine. She also takes Melatonin to sleep at night.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

Deb

[mommyranaway]

How do you find information on bio-med. I have been reading about it and am very interested.

[sapphire_star]

Please forgive if my first post seems intrusive. I'm a new member with a lot on my heart.

I'm so sorry for the heartache you all are going through with your children. I certainly wish each of you wisdom, strength and support as you walk this journey towards healing.

The conventional mental health system, in my own experience, has been more hindrance than help for my 16year old DD who hasn't even received a solid diagnosis. Her VERY violent rages and anger began early adolesence, as did the voices. She did benefit from specialized homeopathic care during that time, and especially from cognitive/behavioral therapy. Conventional psychiatry did absolutely nothing to help, which is a story in itself.

Her long-time therapist moved and we've just recently found another, who's actually a child psychologist. She is very open with him and the trust is there, which is SO difficult for her. The problem now is that he's scheduling her farther and farther out (every 6 weeks!) which just isn't working. This was a sudden change with no explaination after seeing her 3 X weekly. He won't return my calls, so back to the drawing board of almost non-existant MH care in my community.

The rage my DD suffered with has subsided greatly but she still struggles with anger and very low self-image. She also has a great deal of fear. My greatest concern now is that she's become very defiant/argumentative over any and all topics. I'm at a loss when she sees me only as someone who wants to control her life, when I'm trying to guide and support. As hard as it is for me to admit, I find myself giving in to avoid the storms of anger. I've worked so hard at keeping the doors of communication open. She has closed them tight and I can't find the key. I feel like a failure, and I feel that I've let her down.

I'm so hoping to find advice and a little support here until a new door opens for us.

Thanks for listening.