My seven-year-old sister has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It interferes with her schooling and she has been placed in special education. The worst part is that she has horrible tantrums and tries to destroy everything around her. She has been prescribed medication, but my parents refuse to give it to her because of side effects such as drooling, blank expression, etc. Is it right for my parents to avoid giving her medication?
2007-01-07 08:08:24 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
If your parents are afraid of side effects they should talk to the doctor. Not everyone gets side effects. Did your sister have side effects or do your parents just worried that they may happen?
There are more than one treatment for bipolar disorder so if your sister has had side effects from one treatment she may not from another.
Your sister can be at risk from complications of bipolar disorder if she is not treated. She could have another psychosis or be suicidal.
2007-01-07 08:54:38 · answer #1 · answered by nursienurse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She definitely needs some kind of treatment. However, if the particular drug she is supposed to take causes such extreme side effects, it's time to get a second opinion and find a medicine that will work for her.
Your parents shouldn't have to choose between their child being either a maniac or a vegetable.
2007-01-07 16:13:34 · answer #2 · answered by Iris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think at this point medication is definitely necessary. From her symptoms, it seems like she has the capability to possibly hurt somebody. I'm sure she doesn't mean to because of the disorder, but it's better safe than sorry. =( Meds are definitely the right choice in this case, imo. If she doesn't get meds now, she'll never be able to live a normal life.
2007-01-07 16:18:49 · answer #3 · answered by Koko 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not right. Your sister ahs a serious illness, and by depriving her of the medication she needs, you parents are leaving her vulnerable to her herself and others as well. You need to seroiusly talk to them about this, or if you do not feel comfortable, speak with a school counselor. They will know what to do.
If all else fails, you may have to report them to DCF. This is considered neglect, and if your sisters condition is severe enough it can be considered child endangerment.
2007-01-07 17:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by Nena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think your parents are right or wrong.
I think that instead of stopping all together, they should find another doctor to treat her and consider alternative therapies.
Your sister needs help, but the type of help varies widely. Chances are, also, that there will be a lot of trial and error. If they aren't happy with the current treatment, they should seek out another.
Good Luck. Best wishes to your family.
2007-01-07 16:11:45 · answer #5 · answered by Tiff 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
They should work closely with her doctors to get the right medication and the right does. Something it takes a few tries to get it right. They are probably just scared and worried because she is so young.
2007-01-07 16:13:13 · answer #6 · answered by rhonda y 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. If your parents were aware of the situation, they'd realize that the source of her anger bubbles from being separated from 'normal' kids; the only possible solution to her problem is therapy or medication.
2007-01-07 16:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
that is just 1 medication, that is having an issue. why don't they go back to the doc and tell about this problem switch to another med?
2007-01-07 16:52:03 · answer #8 · answered by AM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of an idiotic question is this? Of course it's not!
That's like not giving a cancer patient correct treatment or not stitching someone up after plastic surgery.
You are casuing mental anguish to a poor child.
Either report your parents for neglect/abuse or DO SOMETHING.
2007-01-07 16:10:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I would. My 7 year old is on meds. If she had those or other side effects, I would Immediatly DC the med!!! ( DC, meaning discontinued)
2007-01-07 16:10:59 · answer #10 · answered by Christina W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋