My nephew (14) and his siblings are being raised by their grandparents. The grandparents have money and are able to afford anything the kids need or would like to do. The problem is the 14 year old. He gets in these major mood swings (bipolar) and they can't handle him. He wants to live w/ other family, but no one has the room for him and they would have to take legal custody of him. He says that he is not bipolar and he is not taking any medication! They have already had him on medication once and he quit taking it. They don't know what to do with him and I have no suggestions either. Would anyone have any suggestions about this situation? (His dad died last year and his mom can't take care of him).
2007-06-10 15:50:24 · 10 answers · asked by sherry c 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
He needs to be taken to a PSYCHIATRIST. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists cannot prescribe medication without going through a medical doctor. Oftentimes family doctors are the worst people to take a child to because they will prescribe medications without doing the proper testing. Far too often today people are diagnosed with mental problems by doctors without being properly screened first. Take him to a mental health clinic or someplace where it is their job to have people tested for these types of problems. They should be able to make an accurate diagnosis and get him on the proper medications. He should also have regular counseling to make sure that he keeps taking his medications and that he does not get so depressed that he contemplates suicide. If he goes off them and becomes violent or is displaying aggressive or disturbing behavior, he can then be admitted to a hospital to ensure that he continues taking his medication.
PS- Bipolar is also a term that is loosely thrown around to describe someone who is moody. Generally with bipolar disorder the person experiences extreme highs and lows (episodes of mania and depression) and these episodes will last anywhere from a few days to a few months. If he is just irritable and moody, that probably means that he is just a teenager with a doctor who was over-anxious to prescribe meds. Get him checked out by someone who will do the proper testing, and if he is in fact bipolar, make sure he takes his meds! Also, it might take trying a few different medications to find one that works. Good luck!
2007-06-15 08:59:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the meds have side effects that bother him. Take him to a professional who can put the situation into persective for him. Perhaps a bipolar support group for teens might help if there is such a thing. If you're treating him like a patient, stop doing it. He's just a regular kid with a known condition that many people have and he needs a bit of assistance to help. If he feels he's being treated like a patient, he'll resist treatment.
There may be support websites where families share advice. Get him into a sport- try martial arts or music lessons.
Good luck.
2007-06-18 14:25:40 · answer #2 · answered by Tellin' U Da Truth! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i was 14 i also got diagnosed as bipolar- and as having PTSD (post traumataic stress disorder). For a while i kept saying there was nothing wrong with me and i didnt want, and wouldnt continue to take the medications. Now im 19 and just over the last year i have began to take my medication regularly. It took me time and i had to realize on my own that i couldnt have a happy or healthy relationship with my emothions and moods always changing....
2007-06-15 07:47:14 · answer #3 · answered by CaLiBoRn&rAiSeD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcohol, for one, KILLS your organs *IF* you abuse it- which you certainly do. The main reason there is an age limit on alcohol is because teenagers are not fully mentally developed until their early 20's. Not only does it curb ability to learn and grow ifyou abuse it, but it can also put you in some bad situations. Most teenagers are not mature enough to handle the responsibilities of alcohol. For instance, my older sister used to drink when she was underage. Once my mom had to pick her up from a party because my sister was so absolutely drunk, and she ended up going to the ER from alcohol poisening. Due to that, I don't drink heavily. Occasionally at a family function or out with friends, I'll have a small glass of wine or champagne, or maybe a fruit cooler. But I've never been drunk, and I don't want to ever be. You need to be honest with your shrink. Just say, "Hey, I've been having issues with alcohol again..." She can't help you if she doesn't know what's happening.
2016-05-17 05:37:38 · answer #4 · answered by lupe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I know of bi-polar disorder, feeling that there is nothing wrong and he doesn't need meds is part of the disorder. I wonder if it would help to get him into a support group with others with the same disorder. Maybe he could see how important it is for him to take his meds so that he can function in a socially acceptable manner. Contact his doctor for information on support groups and other suggestions. Those who are bi-polar can be very aggressive when not taking their meds and he needs to realize that he represents a danger to others.
2007-06-18 08:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by leslie b 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they should take him to see a therapist, or have him see a psychologist (therapist being first choice, because they are not quick to hand out meds). Maybe he is just traumatized, or is holding something inside that he feels he can't discuss with others. He could be feeling very angry also, due to the fact he wants to live with the other family and can't so he is rebelling against everyone that wants to help. If he is acting out a LOT though, he might be on drugs, especially if he is very withdrawn and never wants to talk to anyone at ALL.
2007-06-10 15:57:58 · answer #6 · answered by Shady 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly what i would do is talk to his mom and tell her to talk to him about his bipolar issue. If that doesn't work have a someone else close to him talk to him and explain the situation and maybe he will understand. IF you have run out of solutions take him to a professional and let him to talk to him.
2007-06-17 07:10:37 · answer #7 · answered by lilipefer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should take him to a therapist. If they really can't handle his outbursts the only other option I can think of is an inpatient facility where they can handle his behavior and he won't be able to refuse to take his medication.
2007-06-10 16:13:22 · answer #8 · answered by C K Platypus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they need 2 take him to a spychiatrist1
2007-06-17 15:39:18 · answer #9 · answered by Stefanie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to show them how they could end up. pound it in her head that this is an important issue.
2007-06-15 11:00:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋