Question: Hello, My daughter is a 16 year old who has been struggling with depression and mood disorder issues; she is currently on Wellbutrin and Lamictal, in counseling as well, and yet, meds are seeming less effective, even though dosage raised. Thoughts about the GeneSight testing? Other thoughts? Thanks, Lisa

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Hi there and thank you for your question. There's a lot of missing info here so I'm guessing a bit

First, does her counselor and med manager agree that they are treating the same conditions?

Does she find meeting with the counselor helpful? (sometimes therapists are like shoes - you have to try a few to get a good fit)

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer - and I note the mood disorder diagnosis

Mood disorders come in a variety of forms and my guess is her med manager is considering or has diagnosed bi-polar disorder

(which is actually quite rare in young women)

My best advice: talk with her. What are her unmet needs? What is missing in her life and what does she think would help?

Always look at situations factors and environmental factors before considering treating with medications.

Please ask if she is being bullied, is struggling with stress, is sexually active, and please have her see her PCP for consideration of potential medical issues that are related to depression (thyroid most notably)

If I can help further, please email me: counseling@roadrunner.com

Best,

Jim

Question: My 12 year old son was huffing glue. I am not sure what to do. He says he has done it a few times with his friends. I am not sure if he is minimizing his use. He says he didn’t know how dangerous it was but now that we have given him a lot of information to read he says he is never going to do it again. He is a kid that has never been in serious trouble before. We don’t want to over react and we don’t want to under react. What is the next logical step for us in this situation? Do we need to get some sort of professional involved?

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Kudos to you for being a concerned parent - I wish the world had more of those. Based on what you're telling me I would say there doesn't appear to be need for professional involvement. I'd encourage you to monitor his friends and talk with their parents about your concerns because huffing is indeed very high risk behavior and while it may be awkward to have these conversations it's a lot better than surviving a tragedy.

Spend time with your son and remember that the best intervention is having a close and loving relationship. The more your kids see you as someone they can come to the more they will.

Question: My oldest son Rob died 6 months after after overdosing on heroin. He was 20. Now my 15 year old son is coming home stoned. I don't know what he is taking but I recognize the glassy eyes and red eyes of his brother. I didn't do enough before and I CAN'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN. I need to send my son to a long enough program that he has a chance to get his head back on straight again. It is gong to be against his will. I am looking at military schools but I am not sure if they are going to be able to help him deal with what he needs to deal with and I think that he needs to get his head together and he can't do that in the home where there is such tragedy. What do you recommend for a longer program for a boy in his situation?

Jim LaPierre Says...:

Getting your son assessed for drug abuse/addiction makes a lot of sense. In the short term, residential rehabilitation may be in order depending upon where he is in the course of substance abuse and addiction.  Long term propositions might best consider the need of supportive family. Sending your son away to military school may ensure short term safety but will likely do little to ensure long term stability and health.

I am wondering if your family has grieved the tragic loss of your son and if your remaining son has strong feelings about abusing the same drug as his deceased brother. Of all the drugs available it appears that he chooses the same drug that killed his brother. This is an avenue I'd want to explore and understand what it means to him.

I applaud you for wanting to protect your son. I encourage you to have him assessed and short term measures may have to be very intrusive - long term - your house is not simply a home where tragedy struck - it's where your son's family lives and ideally will support him in recovery.

Blessed be,

Jim LaPierre