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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DanielJ on January 9, 2006, at 9:21:32
For 2 1/2 years our son has been treated for Schizophrenia. His medications are 10 mg Zyprexa and 75 mg Zoloft.
He missed a semester of school in 2003 but there is more, it looks like much of the schooling 2 years prior to that was not good.
Now he is a High School Senior and 18 yrs old. He is in what they call exceptional education. The students get teaching on a normal level but the classes are smaller and their teachers have special training for students with disabilities.
Sadly today he dropped his drivers education class to accept a class he has already completed for no credit. He feels self conscious and is afraid other kids will make fun of him if he makes a mistake. It is a "regular class not ex ed".
Last semester he was able to switch out of a history class (regular) where certain kids were teasing him. Unfortunately he was at the top of his class in that one so it got pooped away.
He tries hard in most of his classes but regular classes are not working for him socially. His Pdoc has given him some therapy but he is still socially inept. One of the problems he has is that Zyprexa has caused some weight gain and Zoloft gives him acne but the pdoc doesn't want to take him off Zoloft for fear his condition will get worse. Is there any hope for him? Ideas welcome.
Posted by fairywings on January 9, 2006, at 11:44:32
In reply to Parent of Schizophrenic teen Need support!, posted by DanielJ on January 9, 2006, at 9:21:32
Hi Daniel,
I'm sorry things are so hard for your son right now, I'm sure it's heartbreaking to know that he's bullied by other kids too. The first thing I'd recommend is copying your post, and put it on the meds board too. There are several ppl over there who are really knowledgeable about meds.
High school is such a difficult time when you're considered different. I know, I've been there, it was very painful. Thankfully he has a loving parent who cares, and wants what's best for him. I know you said his pdoc does a little therapy with him, but maybe a regular therapist might be able to help him more with his social skills, just make sure it's someone he can get comfortable with.
Have you checked out web sites with info about schizophreia? Healthyplace.com :
http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/thought_disorders/schizo/index.aspPsychcentral.com
http://psychcentral.com/and also, to know exactly what the meds are doing and what they're for, and what your son is experiencing on them, I love crazymeds.org:
http://www.crazymeds.org/zyprexa.htmlDoes your pdoc specialize in schizophrenia, and are you confident in his abilities? How does your son feel about him? The reason I ask is bec. of personal experience with a bad pdoc when I was a teen. So, just curious if your son is comfortable with him, and if his treatment is effective. Also, just a thought...is his anxiety under control?
Good luck with all of this,
fw
Posted by sleepygirl on January 9, 2006, at 14:32:46
In reply to Parent of Schizophrenic teen Need support!, posted by DanielJ on January 9, 2006, at 9:21:32
excellent post by fairywings above.
I'm not sure what to say other than high school can be extremely difficult, and I'd imagine that having schizophrenia makes it all the more difficult.
At this point it sounds like you and he are trying to do whatever possible to get him through the end of high school now. I don't know how well he's functioning? Do you think he wants to go to college? Does he have an interest in something that he can feel good about? Socialization has got to be difficult for him, anyone with whom he is comfortable?
This sounds so hard. You sound like great support for him to get him through these rough spots. I wish you all the best.
-sleepygirl
Posted by DanielJ on January 10, 2006, at 8:22:34
In reply to Re: Parent of Schizophrenic teen Need support! » DanielJ, posted by sleepygirl on January 9, 2006, at 14:32:46
He does best when he has something to focus his attention on. He loves to play interactive video game "counter Strike" and has done some organizational work with it as well as designing his own screens for it. He has a definite desire to attend college and wants to major in science.
It took about 6 months on medications to get him 95% stabilized after his first episode. Those 6 months were very difficult. At first there was no emotion at all then later, even scarier laughing and sad, angry whatever at the wrong times. He seems to be able cope now. He has one good friend and he gets a horseback riding lesson every week (that really helps, but is expensive). He loves horses.
Today is another Pdoc visit, let's see what happens.
Posted by joslynn on January 10, 2006, at 15:01:59
In reply to Parent of Schizophrenic teen Need support!, posted by DanielJ on January 9, 2006, at 9:21:32
I think there is hope. Someone I know (in his 30s) has schizophrenia and is now doing well socially and professionally. He did have troubles in college and in his 20s, but now he has found a good med balance, goes to therapy, has a professional career and recently bought his own condo. I was really suprised when he revealed to me that he has schizophrenia!
That is just anecdotal, but I thought it may be nice for you to hear.
This is the end of the thread.
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