Michael – A Child

This is a real struggle, and often lonely

When I first met Michael, he was seven years old and depressed, with some signs of despair. He had been adopted four years earlier and, although he had adjusted well initially to his new family, he gradually became moody, impulsive and oppositional. His behavioral therapist referred him to me after Michael began talking about suicide.

I prescribed anti-depressant medication and joint therapy sessions with Michael and his parents so that they could understand how to best support Michael’s treatment. Michael responded well initially. Over time, however, he continued to be increasingly moody and socially volatile. He showed the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms that are often present in young boys in general and ADHD boys in particular -but his behavior seemed controlled by his emotions, more like a Bipolar Disorder. The distinction between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder is often determined by biological family history, but since Michael was an adopted child, his family history was unknown.

My goal for Michael’s treatment was to stabilize his moods. I prescribed medication that accomplished that objective, along with improving his social and academic skills. Seven years after I started working with him, Michael was accepted into a challenging educational academy.

If Michael had been misdiagnosed and treated as someone with ADHD, however, there might have been serious consequences for Michael and his family. Since ADHD medication normally includes stimulants, Michael’s behavior would have become even less stable had he been prescribed ADHD medication.