I have been divorced for 15 years and I have a 21 year old daughter who has been mentally handicapped since she was born, she has been going to special-ed school since she was 3. She looks like any normal kid but she is a slow learner, she is just about to graduate from her special ed school in June. About 2 years ago when she was living in Virginia with her Mom and step-father she was severly mentally abused. Over the past year I have noticed alot of changes in my daughters behavior she has since been diagnosed with having a mild case of scitsafrenia(probably spelled wrong). They are going to be treating her with medicine for this, I have witnessed her talking to another person but no one is there, and also giggling for no apparent reason. Does the medicine usually help children like this, Are their any side effects? How long does it take before I should see a positive change? My daughter is the Love of my life. I am torn apart by this. Any help would be appreciated.
2007-04-04 19:35:15 · 7 answers · asked by paul s 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
This question just pissed me off.I wish i knew who mentally abused her.Sad to say but you may never see a change in her .The medicine may make her feel better about herself but no real changes will be that noticable.Upon her graduation do something speacial for her and when she giggles you know she has a reason.I will pray for your little girl.God bless her heart.She is lucky to have you as a father
2007-04-08 14:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked as a mental health therapist for years in the community. Make sure your daughter is diagnosed by a reputable psychiatrist. Get to know that physician and ask ALL the questions you want/need. Monitor your daughter's behavior while taking any psychotropic medication...the meds may be a good fit and sometimes adverse side effects are experienced! A "goodness of fit"applies to any intervention for your child.
2007-04-05 06:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by nfpennlcsw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey I have an older sister who is mentally handicapped as well, she is 20 years old. She sometimes talks to herself, mainly because her brain is just different. But your daughter sounds like she has schizophrenia, i think medication will help for this. If you possibly can bypass it, but if it's causing problems it will help her. But the doctors will know best on this one.
2007-04-04 19:39:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you sound like a beautiful caring father, i suggest you go with your ex to the doctors with your daughter so you can all have your answers you are looking for, don't forget that you may be torn apart yourself but id say your daughter is just as torn if not more than what you are and she needs you to Be as much involved as you can, good luck.
2007-04-04 20:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by Kenny K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in Mental Health facility w/ a gentleman that was diagnosed w/ paranoia schizophrenia. The meds will help her tremendously! If this man missed a med, he would hallucinate. But until then, they were kept under control.
2007-04-04 19:44:26 · answer #5 · answered by firsttymemommy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the medication can help with halucinations. But if she is giggling, I am that she is happy. She may not have a normal life compared to others.. but she has you.. and if she is happy.. then the only sad thing would be that you know she could have more. But does she know she is missing out? If she needs medication to stop her from being upset or think someone is stalking her.. I can see that.. but if she is happy and out of danger... I would not medicate her... unless it would make her happier and more independent (independence makes people happier with their life)
2007-04-04 19:43:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
medication will help her, you should spend a lot of time with her!
2007-04-05 05:26:34 · answer #7 · answered by Carrie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋