Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Friday, December 19, 2008 Abbeyrose asks

Q: Add and College Age daughter

Help..my college age daughter has had ADD and problems with school since she was 2 years old.  She finally made it through High School and has been going to community college for 2 years on a Average Student Scholarship she received..she wasted the scholarship by not going, not doing homework, and not caring about it.  Now this semester she received a D in one class and 0 in the other.  So I told her she would have to pay for it  if she fails.  The school has put her on probation. She switched her major 3 or 4 times and when she starts the class she just decides its not for her and either drops out ( doesn't tell us the truth about it) or just goes but doesn't do homework EVER.  We told her to just get a full time job and maybe some day go back to work.  She doesn't like medication ( says it changes her personality) so she won't take it.  She finally said she needed to talk to someone ( she chooses the wrong type of men ) so she goes to her second appt with a MSW.  I now wonder if I should have set her up with a psychologist instead. She says she doesn't care about everything and is moody, argues with my husband.  I wonder if she is also depressed.  She has a job with the state which requires that she attend school so we had her sign up for Drama..which is really what she is good at.  We are at our witts end.  We are both very motivated parents and also ADD but she seems to have other issues.  Is there anything else we can do.

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Answers (1)
Dr. Diana L Walcutt, Health Guide
12/20/08 10:23pm

Hi Abbeyrose:

I am sorry that you are struggling with your daughter. Since there are a few issues in your note, I will try to address some of them. First of all, I don't know anything about the MSW that you are sending your daughter to, but if you are not comfortable, you might check out other therapists in your area by going to PsychologyToday.com. If you live in the States, then it's likely that only a psychologist can do any testing necessary to figure out what to do to help.

I am an extremely strong proponent of Neurofeedback. I have used it very successfully in ADD/HD clients, both in children and adults. I would encourage you to learn more about, if possible. You can read "ADD: The 20-Hour Solution" by Steinberg and Othmer. I have seen students who fit your daughter's description, turn completely around and become honor students by doing the training. If you decide to go that route, it requires a 40 session committment. Find someone who has a background in understanding the brain. I try to discourage people from going to a neurofeedback therapist who decided to "try" it out instead of really knowing how powerful it is in changing how the brain functions.

The problem with ADD is that mood disorders and low self esteem is usually part of it, and a good therapist needs to address that as well.

I hope this helps,

 

Dr. Diana Walcutt

 

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By Abbeyrose— Last Modified: 04/21/11, First Published: 12/19/08