Genetics

Sometimes genetics just suck. There, I said it.  My kids come with some genetics that are challenging.  They were so challenging to their parents that they weren't able to parent.  It is not unusual for a mental illness to be self-medicated with illegal drugs.  It is not unusual for those mental illnesses to be handed down.  The way to break the cycle is to address the issue and help the child to learn how to deal with it.

For years we have been told that Anthony is bipolar.  We were first told this when he was only 4 and again when he was 7.  It was hard for us to believe.  Hard to tell what the real issue is when you are dealing with severe neglect and attachment issues.  First we started with the one ADHD med, it helped him to control himself.  Then two meds and finally three meds.  For awhile they helped him to control himself.

However, they no longer do that.  I noticed that some of his work was coming home with some strange answers.  We also found lots of unfinished work in his backpack.  I called his teacher to see what was up.  We found out that he isn't doing all his classwork in the class, is flat out telling them that he won't do the work. She said that he can be sweet one minute and very angry the next.  His moods switch quickly.  It would have been nice if his teacher would have called me to tell me his but for some reason she didn't.  Actually she seemed shocked when I said that it was unacceptable and to send his unfinished work home and he will finish it.

I think that I have to accept that we are not just dealing with ADHD.  I think that it is time to consider his genetics.  We were told that his sister would have a more severe case of bipolar.  Oh geez, what if he was right?  Now I just need to find someone who can help.  We haven't been able to find anyone when we searched before.  Doctors are willing to consider ADHD at this age but bipolar is so much harder.

Today I made calls, I am working on that issue.  Say a prayer for us as we head down this road.