Replies to '01/17 Extreme Disorders'

Even our case is not as extreme as some.  However we had hoped that with medication and behavior therapy that Alex would have learned over the years and this EXTREME Mood Disorder would not have gotten progressively worse.  Please note Alex is not always extreme, however when he is it destroys the whole family dynamics.  My relationship with my husband is strained because we spend 24/7 living for Alex and his meltdowns.  I take no time for me and no time for our relationship.  I work 3 jobs (because we financially need me to) and my husband works 2 (for the same reason). 

We are living in a pressure cooker and even when things are calm I am still living the last episode over and over and wondering what will trigger the next one. 

Dr. Phil and his staff have provided us a path of wellness and I am running down the path to get well.  I look forward to being able to help others, whether they match Alex or not it makes no difference.  AS, ADHD and Mood Disorders need to be addressed and we all need to learn how to live with this on a daily basis.  We need each other to reach out to and we need the support of trained medical individuals. 

God Bless you and your family, please stay in touch....Karen 

My daughter has AS and was also VERY argumentative as a child and through the early teen years.  She is 16 1/2 now and is much better although she does argue once in a while.  BUT she was NEVER violent.  I do not see that ever happening with her-she is much more likely to retreat.  She was/is also argumentative with others whom she feels comfortable with-a teacher she has had for several years, her grandparents, etc.  We did put her on prozac (I imagine that will probably start a firestorm on this board) at age 12 and that did wonders for her disposition.   

I watched the Dr Phil show a few days late (I tape him every day) and was disappointed that he didn't talk more about the milder cases.  I feel like he might have scared people away from those with AS when it is already difficult enough for them to feel comfortable with themselves.   

One thing I can tell you from experience.  Be flexible!  I have watched how I treat my daughter and how she is treated by her father, my ex-husband.  I learned a long time ago to give her choices and be very flexible, to warn her as much in advance as possible when our schedule or plans were going to change, to not worry so much about wanting things to be perfect.  My ex-husband on the other hand is pretty much 'it's my  way or the highway' and 'as long as you're in my house you'll do what I say'  and 'kids are meant to be seen and not heard'.  That does not work very well with any child, much less one with AS.  She is much happier with us and in fact did not go to her father's over Christmas this year because she is tired of being yelled at for her actions/attitude, much of which she doesn't have a lot of control over.  (We were only just recently diagnosed and are at the beginning of therapy aimed directly at AS) 

I hope this helps you a little. 

Paula