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Suggest Treatment For Distraction Due To Drug Abuse

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Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
Question: I have 17 y/o adopted son. He was placed with me July, 2009 & the adoption was finalized a year later. I am a single parent, and have several other adopted sons, with mixed results in terms of success and becoming productive citizens. This young man, XXXXXXX has had various diagnoses over the years, to include ADHD, ODD, OCD, Tourette's, Intermittent explosive disorder, PTSD, Depression. He has become progressively more difficult to manage within the past year. He tested positive for meth and THC 5-15-17. He has consistently had difficulties with school, and only late last year was able to go into regular classes (with supportive mechanisms in-place). His Hx of abuse and neglect is extensive. I am concerned that he may be experiencing adolescent-onset schizophrenia. My understanding is that his background is particularly vulnerable to said condition. Two years ago he refused to continue to take meds and have counseling. Do you see him as at-risk for the described condition? What other factors do you need to consider? Up until 5-13-17 he had been missing for a month. He was found by law enforcement living in the woods, in a tent, in an area of Chillicothe, OH frequented by drug users. Whenever he punches holes in the walls, steals from me, gets caught at school breaking school rules, etc., he denies those acts even in the face of such things as video evidence. I of course am not expecting a diagnosis, but would like to know if you feel my thoughts regarding adolescent-onset schizophrenia merit further exploration.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No indication of schizophrenia

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Reading carefully through that description though I must say that there isn't any real symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has some clearly defined clinical criteria which include at least one between hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech. I do not see any of those in your description. No evidence of catatonia or other negative symptoms either.

So I must say that there isn't any indication of schizophrenia. His behavior and substance abuse is more in line with the other psychiatric diagnoses he's had which are typically associated with such issues. Actually studies on schizophrenia have shown patients to have usually had an unremarkable childhood, his past issues do not necessarily confer a higher risk of schizophrenia.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Distraction Due To Drug Abuse

Brief Answer: No indication of schizophrenia Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Reading carefully through that description though I must say that there isn't any real symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has some clearly defined clinical criteria which include at least one between hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech. I do not see any of those in your description. No evidence of catatonia or other negative symptoms either. So I must say that there isn't any indication of schizophrenia. His behavior and substance abuse is more in line with the other psychiatric diagnoses he's had which are typically associated with such issues. Actually studies on schizophrenia have shown patients to have usually had an unremarkable childhood, his past issues do not necessarily confer a higher risk of schizophrenia. I remain at your disposal for other questions.