Posted by Sulpicia on April 4, 2001, at 22:57:36
In reply to Re: Panic Disorder/OCD/Suicidal Ideation HELP! » Sulpicia, posted by AnneL on April 4, 2001, at 18:55:21
> >Sounds good so far. I realize that our kids are totally different but we did the
partial hospitalization program and there are some issues you may wish to consider.
I'm not clear about where she would be living, but if there is stress or issues about
this, perhaps this might be a strike against the partial program.
Please make sure *exactly* what the partial program is. Ours was the same unit as the
inpatient, and yes they have groups and such, but it really boiled down to being confined
to an acute adolescent unit for 8 hrs a day. It wasn't much of a theraputic mileux [sp?] and
it was damn expensive. That said, it's not a bad way to step down after a longish stay
inpatient -- sort of like readjustment.
Also consider that she may be on meds that make getting up in the morning VERY difficult.
It may be more trouble than it's worth to get a kid adjusting to meds up and dressed and
there by 8:30.Depending on diagnosis and medication, it will take at the very least 7 days for the
quickest of the AD meds to show any effect. Often it will take longer, or she will need
to try several different meds before something is achieved. Ideally we'd love for the kid
to be inpatient until the med situation is perfect but these days it more than likely won't
happen. Fight like a tiger to avoid bringing her home if:
she can't sleep
she can't eat, or has side effects to the extent that you think she can't wait them out.
is very sedated -- like falling down.
is agitated, hyper, extremely happy, or still severely depressed so you're afraid of suicide.
Side effects like these are unlikely but don't let the staff brush you off if you see something
you don't like or understand.
This sounds terrible but get rid of any tylenol or products containing it. The odds are she'll
be fine but you want to avoid having anything around that might be used in an impulsive moment.
Tylenol can destroy your liver from a relatively mild overdose.
Good luck with the diagnosis, and by the way, you're doing great!
Best,
Liz
poster:Sulpicia
thread:149
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/161.html