Posted by Racer on October 4, 2006, at 17:43:38
In reply to Please Help!!!, posted by DR on October 4, 2006, at 14:57:48
First things first: your rights will depend on a number of variables, including where you live, but also including your custody arrangement as declared in your divorce settlement. The only way to find out your rights is to consult an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, or cannot afford one, you can contact the local Bar association. They often have attorneys willing to see "indigent" clients at a very reduced fee for consultation. In my experience, it's been about $50 for the consult.
As for your son, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that it is the Lexapro causing the escalation. That's not saying I don't think it is, or that I like Lexapro -- only that you may be mistaking correlation for causation. I agree with your basic premise: a second opinion would be awfully helpful about now.
If you don't choose to see an attorney, how about coming at your ex from the side, instead of head on? Rather than something like, "He's my son, I have a right to a say in his treatment," maybe something more like, "This situation is frightening me -- he seems to be getting worse, rather than better, and I'd like some reassurance. If I pay for it, and we all sign waivers for the doctors to talk to one another, will you agree to him seeing a specialist in child psychiatry for a second opinion?" You know, basically trying to work with her for his best interest? It's got to be scary for her, too, after all.
And finally, if you're only seeing him every other weekend, are you basing your assessment that he's getting worse on that limited basis? It's very possible that he's much better on a day to day basis, but the stress of visiting you brings on the escalating symptoms. That wouldn't mean he doesn't like visiting you -- it would only mean that any sort of change in his life might be able to set him off. That's very common. In fact, if he's especially excited and looking forward to something, that might set him off more.
Anyway, I hope there was something helpful in this for you.
poster:Racer
thread:691812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060926/msgs/691847.html