Parenting Teenagers (12-18) Support Group

This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of teenagers (12 to 18 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.

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ginateresa 07/13/2016

I don't know what exactly, but my 16 y/o daughter has rages and makes no sense and gaslights and fits most all the criteria of a sociopath that I've read.

But my love and hope for her still makes me question even that. It's driving me crazy. I feel totally alone, ....since I am a single parent. NO ONE could understand it unless you've lived it.

Can ANYONE relate? I've had her in two institutions for help and she's only good for a little while or has perfected her methods of manipulation.

I SO wish someone could hear the types of conversations we have.....It's more like jumping in front of a train than hitting your head against a brick wall.

I am about to give up.....again.....

patti22 07/13/2016

She might...no way to know over the internet. What do the professionals say? (Bipolar, depression, and many many other things are not personality disorders...and are treated very differently.)

As her parent, the professionals should be giving you some advice on how to cope.

Meanwhile, I'd say...don't get drawn in.

(As for acting like a sociopath. My VERY social, VERY well behaved daughter, could also fit the criteria perfectly. She's pretty much never gotten in trouble except by choice, and has had the ability (just seldom the desire) to get someone else in trouble with greater skill than anyone I've ever known.

My point isn't that my daughter has issues (she doesn't) but that it's really really easy to see a sociopath in anyone...if you're looking.)

Hugs,
Patti

KlovesA 07/27/2016

Look up ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder. It could be more but my daughter has ODD and it can be hell... and others don't understand or make unfair judgements. I was a single mom until last year (and marriage and a,stepbrother have not helped, actually worse). There are programscto do yourself (look at the Empowering Parents website) or counseling. I have had her in counseling for 8 months and judt dont have one thats helping. Im looking for one now who specializes in ODD and other social disorders.

KlovesA 07/27/2016

Since i cant offer much as im still in the battle myself, just remember to stay hopeful even when you want to give up. You can't fix her, only help and learnbto parent in ways thst may help. It may or may not get easier. Keep loving her (even when shes unlovable) and take 1 day at a time. My faith in God is a huge source of hope and strength too.

superthor1022 07/28/2016

Has she ever had a full mental health evaluation? If not, it sounds like that could be a benefit. It is hard to 'treat' something when you don't know what exactly you are dealing with. There are so many varieties of mental illness that without a diagnosis you cold run around in circles for years.

trueblue 09/23/2016

It could be a mental illness, but on the other hand, there could be other factors that are causing these behaviors. I would rule them out first. For example, my son (18) has similar behaviors whenever he is having trouble at school. If things aren't going well in his social life, he takes out his stress at home, which is usually a child's safest environment to be themselves.

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