WOW–
When I said “family doctor” I understood that it meant doctors in your family, not family practitioners, but thanks for clarifying.
I continue to suggest that your son might be bipolar because I believe it is a highly underdiagnosed condition that is extremely prevelant in the ‘going off the derech’ crowd. You may know that psychiatrists believe around 10% of the population suffers from some form of a mood disorder, even though many of those are mild enough that they are able to function normally. To suggest that a troubled, out of control, teenager that has strayed far from the path that his parents and rebbeim set forth for him may very well be suffering from such a disorder is very much reasonable.
True psychologists and social workers see patients who are bipolar, but how often are they the ones to make that diagnosis to begin with? Very rarely. Don’t bank on their silence as assurance that your son doesn’t have it.
We’re obviously butting heads here. I’m trying to see things from your perspective, but the facts keep getting in the way. The fact is that most children in the asbsense of trauma, abuse and neglect don’t deteriorate the way your son has unless there is an underlying mental issue. More importantly, the fact is that mood disorders are too destructive in a persons life to miss, so ruling them out in a situation like this one is imperative. The fact, forgive me, is that you are running away from perfectly sound advice–everyone agrees that self-destructive behaviour should, at the very least once, be looked at by a psychiatrist! I’m not asking you go to a fortune teller, bow down to an idol, or have a kumzitz on the roof; this is sound, reasonable advice on every level. You admit he’s depressed, but deny the possibility of a medical mood disorder?! This makes sense?
I know what the DSM IV is and am glad that you do too.
I would like, at this point, to thank you for dealing with me respectfully, even though we clearly don’t see eye to eye. I know I’ve been a little abrasive, but it’s only because I care and I don’t wish to sugar coat everything.
Best and thank you.