compulsive stealing/lying

[chad690]

Our son is now 22 and lives overseas. As a child and young adult he had been diagnosed with ADD and was placed on ritalin. He also began weekly therapy sessions which continued through age 18. In the past year, he has stolen from people close to him (family, friends etc) as well as from us. He lies habitually. He has decided not to continue his undergraduate studies and has not worked. His hygiene we have been told has deteriorated. He simply goes from place to place, mooching off of others. When confronted with stealing/lying, he typically will admit wrongdoing. We have another child who is a successful professional. Both were treated similarly as they were growing up. Is there any hope? suggested treatment? It appears he exhibits no affect or conscience unless he is caught...Please help us.

[Sandman2]

     Just to set the record straight -  lying and stealing are very common signs of ADHD and ADD.  That does not mean that any of the above have AD/HD.  However, it is a common symptom of AD/HD (among other things).

[JEWLSS]

miss diagnosis it most likley ODD or anti social personality disorder

[DLN71]

My son sounds the same way. Constantly lying and stealing ever since he could do so. Alot of people have this problem, but no one can give an answer to it. It is some kind of mental disorder, it has to be. My son has lost everyone. His family, his friends, his little girl and now he is in jail. It is like a disorder he can't control. This is very frustrating and everyone just wants to through him in jail and forget him. He also has ADD. ODD shows alot of his symptoms.
                                                                                           DLN

[bgd]

   My son is almost 19 he has a stealing and lying problem. He has also has adhd. He steals from his father and myself all the time along with others. He always lies saying he didn't do it when he finally admits to it its like he's not even sorry for doing it. He's sorry for himself for getting called out on it. I'm am so tired of this he needs help I don't no what to do ?

[tschock]

My little brother has tourette's syndrome and FAS. He is exactly like your son.
FAS also causes the same symptoms as anti-social behavior it appears...
I have ADD and I am nothing like that...so  i agree with the mis-diagnosis thing.

[allmymarbles]

Lying and stealing are not symptoms of ADD. Your son seems to have some sociopathic tendencies. You have a very difficult problem and I have no idea what you can do about it. Surely his behavior has nothing to do with the way you raised him.