ADHD / ADD Support Group

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Daughter Won't Take Medicine

Anxmom
Anxmom

Good Morning Everyone -


I am new to the group and look forward to receiving your feedback.  My nearly 21 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well as personality disorder.  Her doctors prescribed lamictal, but after only a couple of days she does not want to take it anymore because she does not like the way it makes her feel.  In the past she has been prescribed some other medications for anxiety and depression and also said she had bad side effects.


If she will not help herself, what can we do?  She lives at home with my husband and I and our 27 year old son.  There is so much stress in the house.  It is not healthy for any of us.


Any recommendations would be helpful at this time.   This has been going on for several years with no improvements.


Thanks so much!

Bobby5000
Bobby5000
That is a tough situation. I can only say look for a supportive environment, compassionate psychiatrist, and a good support group. Some people with illness can be very compassionate and helpful.

Curious, I agree bipolar and personality disorder can be serious things, but why is ADHD in here. As someone who had ADHD by most criteria, and I believe successfully addressed it later in life, medicine was not needed to correct that. I do agree bipolar can be serious and can benefit from medicine, though it can be be a long road- something I think we both know.
Abettermom9
Abettermom9
My son has odd, is now 30's, and not in treatment or taking medication because he believes I am the cause of all his problems, and turned everyone against him. He doesn't live with me because I won't tolerate his behavior anymore. I would let your daughter know there are other meds that have fewer/no side effects, and she should work with her doctor to look at those options. You must tell her that in order to stay at home, she must take medication, get in therapy to address her issues, and deal with the rest of you appropriately, or she will have to find another place to live. Set boundaries as to what you will and won't accept. Expect pushback, and follow through with consequences. Make a contract in writing which concerns are laid out, how they will be addressed, and the consequences if they are violated. You deserve to have peace in your home, and your rules/boundaries respected. I went through this, without any real support for someone in my situation, but we have a better relationship because I stuck with it even when he did everything possible to make me give in to his unrealistic demands. I hope this helps you.