Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

My 16-year-old son has gradually stopped going to school and now locked himself in his room. He is not eating and he sleeps a lot. His school work has gradually deteriorated. He is not socialising with his friends and is not talking to me. I took him to the doctor who says that he is depressed. I am concerned about him and don't know what to do.

- Eva

Dear Eva:

Depression is a common condition in the adolescent period. Your son is depressed and I am thinking that he may be psychotic as well. When I say psychotic I mean that he may be having hallucinations or delusions of persecution.

Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are not amenable to arguments. Your son needs to be assessed for these symptoms as they can coexist with the depression. Deteriorating school performance is a sign that something is wrong and we need to intervene early.

Many adolescents find school work to be difficult and stressful. If they don't understand their academics they decrease their output and effort and the cycle worsens. It is easier to tackle the academic problems early rather than later. You will need to speak with the principal about your son's health and behaviour.

Adolescent depression should be taken seriously and treatment sought. There are medication, cognitive-behaviour therapy and family therapy. Negative thinking and negative attitude are present in depression.

We need to reverse the negativity by cognitive therapy. You need to get him out of bed, start eating and decrease the sleeping. Having spoken to the principal, the school needs to have remedial education for him so that he can catch up with his peers. He may have to repeat a grade or get extra lessons to improve his scores.

The family needs to be educated about depression and its effect on family life and academics. Education of the family is important as it seems that you don't understand the severity of the illness. The guidance counsellor at school will need to be having sessions three times weekly with him and someone needs to monitor his academic performance.

Depression can take some time to resolve and therapy needs to continue for at least six months to one year. You need to stick to the programme and see the positive changes that will occur.

Schizophrenia

Dear Counsellor:

I have noticed that my 14-year-old son is withdrawn and apathetic. He doesn't socialise with others and is not eating. He sits and laughs to himself and he talks to himself. He admits to hearing voices and is easily fatigued. The doctor says that he has Schizophrenia and prescribes medication for him. His school work has deteriorated and I feel that he may need to repeat the current grade. I don't know how to help him.

- Mary

Dear Mary:

Schizophrenia commonly starts in the adolescent period. It presents with odd behaviour, talking and laughing to self and hallucinations. Schizophrenia tends to run in families. A relative may have similar symptoms and may be on treatment. Schizophrenia is treatable and you should follow the advice of your doctor. Schizophrenia tends to cause school failure because the patient lacks insight and doesn't take the medication. Compliance with office visit and medication is a big issue What happens is that, as the patient starts to improve, the medication is discontinued and the person relapses. To help with compliance we tend to give a monthly injection and few tablets. It is important to get as much information about Schizophrenia as you can so that you can be in a better position to help your son. When your son is better he will be able to attend to his school work. Speak to the principal and guidance counsellor about what is happening to your son. They will be able to assist him in his recovery process. There is a support group called Mensana and it is set up to help families and patients who have mental illness. Mental illness is shrouded in mystery and myths, but there is information aplenty to explain what is happening to your son. Speak with your doctor.

When your son is better you will need to encourage him and adopt a positive attitude. He may become depressed as he thinks of what is happening to him and the long term implications. Depression is treated with cognitive-behaviour therapy and possible medication.

Call Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at: 978-8602, 791-1778 or email: yvonniebd@hotmail.com