Posted by JD on May 24, 1999, at 8:46:54
In reply to Re: "Depression" to "Pothead"?, posted by PattyG on May 24, 1999, at 8:02:00
As a former "perfectionist sixteen-year-old"
who went through many of the same issues you
mention in your son (depression, social drug
use, increased risk-taking), I wouldn't go
too off the deep end about things like
borderline personality disorder unless there
are truly marked personality changes,
dangerous and/or aggressive behaviors, etc.
Not to make light of the matter, but certain
behaviors can occur along a spectrum of
standard adolescent "growing pains". My hunch
(and it's just a hunch) is that that while
the Zoloft has lifted his depression, there
remain some deeper issues in him that are now
more free to be "acted out" through social
drug use, rebellion, etc. A substance-abuse
counselor might be a good idea if
not for the fact that, paradoxically, it
might only alienate him further and make
matters seem adverserial -- He needs to
understand that you are truly on his side,
though I realize what a challenge this can
be. When I look back to what would have
helped me most as a sixteen year-old
perfectionist-cum-risk-taker, it is probably
simply a talk therapy environment in which
I felt comfortable enough to explore the
very conflicted feelings leading me to act
in ways that weren't always very productive
in scheme of things!Hope this helps in some way... Being supportive
of your son without jeopardizing his fledgling
sense of independence (important but very
fragile at 16!)is probably what he needs most, in my humble
opinion. As his parents, you are the best
judge...Best,
JD
> (parents wrote)
> He's gone from extreme perfectionism and
> depression to more risky behavior and
> no depression but marijuana use. Says its
> just experimentation...but?????
>
> ///Are you positive of the diagnosis? Have you done any reading of the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder? Just a thought..........Also, I'm sort of surprised that the current therapist hasn't suggested some substance abuse counseling (assuming he/she knows about the usage.) However, it could be that the current therp is already addressing those issues?
poster:JD
thread:6408
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990501/msgs/6434.html