I have been watching Dr Phil since the beginning and it is rare that I ever completely disagree with him or am shocked by his responses, but today I was. (delayed telecast in Australia)
I thought I was hearing a very likely case of undiagnosed ADHD; a child who seemed to have so much potential but never achieved, sought high stimulation, described as an outsider, probably had low self esteem, probably told he was lazy or should know better than to behave that way his whole life. Knowing he had the brains to do better, and frustratingly not understanding why he couldn't, and why he was drawn to these activities. Of course, not everyone with this condition turns to stealing and sex addiction to fuel their need for stimulation, so he must take responsibility for his actions, but could we get the guy tested and (if it is ADHD) educated and medicated so he might have half a chance of taking more control over his life from now on???
Did you see the pain in his face when Dr Phil called him lazy? I bet he was thinking, "#*&%$#!! - just like everyone else has told me in my life - how is hearing that supposed to help me!" and then later, just taking it and hoping Dr Phil has it right. But Dr Phil is human and can make mistakes!
I suggest Casey read "Driven to Distraction" (also published as "Attention Deficit Disorder") by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey. His case would fit right in with that book, and I'd love the ending to be:
........."..A friend of Casey's read about adult ADHD on the message boards and told him about it, and so Casey was tested and found to have it. He is now taking medication, has stopped stealing and sleeping around, and is feeling better about himself than he has at any other time of his life. Years have now passed and he is using his creativity and intellect to much better use, mentoring children with learning difficulties and is working as a consultant to government in developing delinquency prevention programs..."....
Casey, I believe you are a good person at heart, and I think you need to get to the bottom of why you do this when you don't want to. How much would it mean to you, to know that you are not lazy, and don't have any greater sense of entitlement than the average person in the western world, but that it is something neurological that makes using your brain very difficult? I pray that you can get out of this way of life.
From petty theft to check fraud, Dr. Phil’s guests say they’re addicted to stealing, and it’s destroying their families. Casey says he’s been pilfering for 16 years and has ripped off groceries, appliances, DVDs -- even one of Dr. Phil’s books! Casey estimates that he’s stolen nearly $100,000 in merchandise and says his estranged brother, Zack, is clueless about the extent of his criminal activity. How does Zack respond when Casey reveals another deep, dark secret? Will the brothers be able to reconcile, and will Casey change his thieving ways? And, Micki says she uses her good looks to get jewelry and credit card numbers from men, but her kids have no idea she leads a secret life as a con artist. Recently, she was arrested for stealing $10,000 in a check fraud scheme. Find out why one friend says she deserves to be behind bars. Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s strong message for Micki. Join the discussion.
