Questions posted in the
Child Behavioral Health Forum
have been answered by
Dr. Kevin Kennedy of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. | |
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Subject: Re: Personality Disorder? Topic Area: Other Behavioral TopicsPosted by Merry on August 15, 1999 at 20:06:31I just recently had a long conversation with my husband over his son - he is 15.7 years of age. My husband and I have been married for 5 years and finally I just lost it. This child plays with wrestling dolls and watches endless hours of cartoons each day - that is his life. He has no friends, is inactive - never going outside - or getting physical activity. He feels victimized by any given situation. He has no empathy for anyone and he tells everyone that he does not like to be touched or does not like to smile.
Posted by HVMA Ph.D. - KDK on August 16, 1999 at 09:19:51 Dear Merry, Your stepson's behavior is certainly atypical for a fifteen-year-old and is suggestive of a depressive disorder. One would expect him to be more solidly engaged with his peers and to have a fairly active life. A child mental health evaluation would be reasonable - I would strongly urge it. Perhaps a reasonable place to start would be a discussion with his pediatrician. You could voice your concerns, appropriate medical workups, if needed, could be done, and a referral made for a mental health evaluation. The pediatrician's opinion might be useful to your husband. The information provided in this forum is inteneded for general education. Always address particular questions about your child's health to your pediatrician or health care providers. *Keyword: Depression, Teens, Adolescence
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