Hi there Steve, I read with interest your experiences with your stepson. I to have a son aged almost 15 who has been diagnosed with the following ADHD (aged 11), ODD, Bi Polar, IED Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and also severe mood disorders! How's that for a personality disorder.....the most recent diagnoses have been made within the last 6 months, all except the ADHD. I don't know what the answer's are, all I know is that we (my husband and I - who is my son's stepfather), have become exhausted living day to day with his constant emotional unreasonable demands and wondering what will be next! The threats of suicide, which happens on a regular basis, the self harming cutting, but worse is that he just is impossible to help, and is extremely disrespectful, and thoroughly hateful at times, I'm not being harsh I'm being honest! Anyway I wish to strength, and encouragement with your son. Regards Jan
It is very likely that this boy now has needs which will require inpatient or residential treatment of some sort. Some mental and emotional disorders reach such proportions that they can no longer be treated in the community or on an outpatient basis. It sounds like it won't be long before his behavior forces the issue and he is incarcerated within the juvenile justice system. One way or the other, at some point he will have to be removed from the community if he is to improve. Seeking an inpatient substance abuse program or psychiatric/behavioral program is a sound plan.