You are here:

Bipolar Disorder/bipolar teen giving up on meds

Advertisement

Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 12/17/2008


Question
Hi - my son is two weeks from 18, has been diagnosed bipolar nos, is taking 37.5 of Effexor, Depakote,Geodon, and clonazipan as needed.  His psychiatrist upset him, saying it should'nt matter whether he graduates, goes to summer school, goes to college - my son can't process books, and he is a very intellectual, deep-thinking person with ambitions; not being able to read or feeling school is possible devastated him and he is tired of it all.  We will see a new doc. - how do we approach this visit?  He has made progress and is finishing a semester, but getting shakey again.  Im' so tired and worried.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Kandy:

Talk to your son about classes online.  There are many excellent programs available from accredited schools.  This would allow him to work at his own pace and allow for as much review of material as necessary.

Let him know the previous doctor was wrong--and he can accomplish what he sets out to do.  Ask him to just give the new doctor a chance--say six months-before he makes a decision.  Let him know that you refuse to give up on him-and don't want to see him give up on himself.

                                Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.