13yr old daughter

Posted by Vivian on June 11, 1999 at 14:35:37
I will try my best to consolidate this.  Ever since my daughter was around five, she has had behavior that was uncontrollable when she did not get what she wanted or was angry.  She would hurt people around her and have no remorse but a sense of accomplishment.  A 30-day eval at a hospital stated she had sociopathic tendancies.  (I removed her out of disbelief) As the years progressed thing got worse with violence, failing school, telling teachers and me where to go, will not do anything unless there is something in it for her. She has had one thing after another to deal with, with not enough time in between to cope. She suffered 3rd degree burns over 30% of her body at age 6mo., is permanently scared, has grown up witnessing domestic violence, and recently gone through a divorce, a 30-day shelter, switching schools and homes, an alcoholic father who is constantly rejecting her.  I sought help because I feel her slipping away from life (so-to-speak), she's angry, hurt and does not know what to do with this life she's had.  I told the therapist all this and more.  The therapist wants to medicate for A.D.D.???(after a 20min. test was given).  I am afraid to trust the diagnosis, when no other areas have been looked into, so quick of a judgment, and has not even attempted to get to the bottom of any of the problems that Crystal has had to cope with.  She defied all help I sought before, but now she's ready--and this is what she's told--"Take a pill". Do you feel that with what little I have told you, that there may be a different underlying problem?  I really need to get her help now, before I lose her.  Lately, when caught stealing money from me, knowing she was in trouble, bolted out the door and I couldn't find her--I returned home to find out that she called the police and said I was beating her and I spent hours trying to assure them that I have never laid a hand on her and that she was getting even with me.  I don't know if this is enough info. for you, but I need to know if I should get a second opinion--if I allow medication and she's been misdiagnosed I have a much bigger problem on my hands, and more problems for her to overcome!  That's it, sorry so long.   Vivian
Posted by HFHS.MD-T.B. on June 14, 1999 at 16:41:15

Dear Vivian, It sounds like your daughter has been through many stressful events over the years and I understand that you want her to get help for her behavior.  I do not have enough information to make an accurate diagnosis although I would consider that your daughter may be exhibiting what is called conduct disorder.  Conduct disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated.  It is characterized by symptoms such as aggression to people and animals, desruction of property, deceitfulness or theft and serious violation of rules.  Regarding treatment, multimodality treatment programs using family and community resources are likely to bring about the best results in order to control behavior.  Individual psychotherapy can be useful as can medication for symptoms such as aggression.  
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) involves symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.  I do not have enough information to know whether your daughter may have ADHD.  If you do not feel comfortable with your daughter's evaluation, a second opinion is certainly reasonable and may give you more insight and information into your daughter's condition.  I would, however, discuss your intentions regarding treatment for your daughter with your initial mental health professional.  ADHD and conduct disorder may both be present.  
I hope that this information has been helpful for you.  It is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a physician.  If you would like your daughter to see a mental health professional at Henry Ford Hospital, please call 248-689-7476.