December 13, 2021
Dear Doctor,
I am Malini. I have a 20 year old daughter. My difficulties are related to her mood swings. She has been going to multiple psychiatrists and counsellors. Many medicines have been tried. I came to you 1 year back. I want her to be perfect. She should respect us. My husband works in UAE. She has had issues with many boys and drugs. She told this to a counsellor recently. She threatens to harm herself. She is irregular to college. I am fed up with all doctors. I have lost hope she will improve. Religious healing has also been done. Where should I take her next?
Malini K
Dear Mrs Malini,
It appears by the history you have provided that your daughter suffers from a personality disorder. It is a complex condition where stress and emotions play havoc in the patient’s life. It’s very frustrating for the family. My suggestion is to stick to one doctor and counsellor. Avoid doctor shopping. If you have any concerns, discuss with the treating Psychiatrist openly. Medications help to control agitation and mood swings. Depression if present also needs treatment. Therapy helps when done regularly. Abstinence from drugs is a must for this treatment to work. Accepting what she has, is what you need to do most importantly. That is the first and most important step. Treatment is long term. Have patience madam.
Dear Doctor,
We stay abroad. We come to India during Christmas every year. I feel sorry for my ageing parents. It’s not easy for them to live all by themselves. It’s difficult to get proper help to stay with them. My father has begun to show symptoms of memory loss. My mother is not able to handle his tantrums. He is fussy about food. He hates to take bath and he has started saying that the gardener is stealing his watch and money. What should we do?
Reena
Dear Reena,
It’s a difficult family situation for you. As you are aware, you have to start treatment for your father with a psychiatrist for dementia. Medication and therapy will help reduce agitation and irritability. Dementia is age related and is likely to progressively worsen. Your father will require more and more assistance in activities of daily living as years pass. This will put a lot of emotional and physical burden on your mother who is the primary caregiver. She will need support. Having a full time house help will be needed. Assisted living in a good home for senior citizens is also an option you may have to explore as you reside abroad. Take care.