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Highly Addictive To Computer Game, Feeling Restless. Not Willing To Take S-celepra. What Should Be Done?

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Posted on Wed, 15 May 2013
Question: Hi, Doctor, I want to know some remedy reg my son. He is now 22 yrs old and studying engineering. He is having serious problem now to concentrate in his studies. He had extreme restless behavior from his childhood and highly addictive to computer games. He is also too much stubborn. He prefers to stay these days in a room with closed door and make minimum communication with his parents. He always will make too much argument on any small matter if he does not like it. He gets violent if he is interrupted while he is endlessly talking. He always feels that we are not listening to him. He is obsessed with internet and try to follow treatments as per information available on net and refuses to go any doctor for counseling or any treatment. He spends lot of money in purchasing expensive things related to mobile phones, computer hardware/software etc. As he has to face his semester exam by another 50 days we are extremely worried for his such behavioral pattern and not allowing us for any medical consultation. He was prescribed to take S-Celepra 10 mg tab for 21 days, one tab per day after dinner, by a doctor about one yr ago but he never took that medicine as he thought he may die. Pls advice can we try that same medicine now, if he agrees or some other alternative step we should try?
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Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (2 hours later)
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns regarding your son's problems. Such kind of behavioural changes can occur due to different psychological problems. One possibility could be due to a mood disorder. The lack of motivation, poor concentration in studies, social isolation, irritability, etc. could be symptoms of depression. Aother possibility is that these symptoms could be a prodrome (that is early stages) of a psychotic disorder. We also have to consider the possibility if he is getting addicted to pornography, gaming, social networks, etc. which are preventing him form leading a normal social life.

Therefore, it is essential to have a detailed evaluation and psychological assessment done in order to pin-point what exactly his psychological problem is. Only if the diagnosis is clearly established, further treatment can be given accordingly. Now, it is common for individuals with psychological problems to lack insight into their own problems and so, many will refuse professional help or counselling. But, it is important that such problems should be assessed and tackled as early as possible, in order to prevent more severe problems or complications later on. So, I would advise you to convince him or if necessary be firm in telling him that he needs to see a psychiatrist, for his best interest. If you are seeing that he is clearly deteriorating and that his behaviours are worrying, then, as parents, you have a right to be concerned and take steps to help him.

S-Celepra (Escotalopram) is an anti-depressant medication which is commonly prescribed for depressive and anxiety disorders, but I would suggest that is better to get a detailed assessment done and have a clear picture about the diagnosis, before starting any medication. Moreover, there are good counselling / psychological therapies available to deal with such psychological problems. So, if your son is very scared or skeptical about taking medication, these psychological therapies can also be equally effective.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

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Highly Addictive To Computer Game, Feeling Restless. Not Willing To Take S-celepra. What Should Be Done?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns regarding your son's problems. Such kind of behavioural changes can occur due to different psychological problems. One possibility could be due to a mood disorder. The lack of motivation, poor concentration in studies, social isolation, irritability, etc. could be symptoms of depression. Aother possibility is that these symptoms could be a prodrome (that is early stages) of a psychotic disorder. We also have to consider the possibility if he is getting addicted to pornography, gaming, social networks, etc. which are preventing him form leading a normal social life.

Therefore, it is essential to have a detailed evaluation and psychological assessment done in order to pin-point what exactly his psychological problem is. Only if the diagnosis is clearly established, further treatment can be given accordingly. Now, it is common for individuals with psychological problems to lack insight into their own problems and so, many will refuse professional help or counselling. But, it is important that such problems should be assessed and tackled as early as possible, in order to prevent more severe problems or complications later on. So, I would advise you to convince him or if necessary be firm in telling him that he needs to see a psychiatrist, for his best interest. If you are seeing that he is clearly deteriorating and that his behaviours are worrying, then, as parents, you have a right to be concerned and take steps to help him.

S-Celepra (Escotalopram) is an anti-depressant medication which is commonly prescribed for depressive and anxiety disorders, but I would suggest that is better to get a detailed assessment done and have a clear picture about the diagnosis, before starting any medication. Moreover, there are good counselling / psychological therapies available to deal with such psychological problems. So, if your son is very scared or skeptical about taking medication, these psychological therapies can also be equally effective.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist