Teen speaks out about cold-medicine abuse

There is a dangerous trend among teenagers that can lead to a cold-medicine overdose.

Earlier this week in Cobb County Georgia,  four High School students took too much cold medicine trying to get high and had to be rushed to the hospital.

One student was, Jameele Sanford, 15.

School leaders said she had drug paraphernalia in her bag and that's only the beginning of the story.

"I was in class, I was in ISS just sitting, and I was pulled out, searched my bag and they found it and rushed me to the hospital," Sanford said.

Sanford admits she's addicted cold medicine.

Sanford showed Byfield four packs of pills and two bottles of cough syrup that her mother asked her to buy to show just how easy it is for a teen to get the drugs.

"I just walked in like I was going to buy anything else," Sanford said.

Sanford said she buys generic Corcidin pills and generic Robitussin and before she got caught at school on Sept. 20 she used to down a couple packs of pills and at least one bottle of syrup almost everyday.

"It gives you a good feeling, it's like high," Sandford said. "I would be able to do my work, nobody would really know that I was on them or not. I would tell a friend just in case I passed out or something. Somebody would know I did it and would be able to get help for me."

"I thought I was a hip mom and I found out I wasn't," Jameele's mother, Sonja Atkins, said.

Atkins said she was devistated when a police officer called to say her 15-year-old was being rushed to the hospital.

"You need to be aware of what's going on. You need to have conversations with your kids." Atkins said.

Sanford says that she was away doing "triple c's, or Skittles" as its better known, because she'd take the meds at school.

Now, given all the trouble she's gotten into, she wishes she wouldn't have ever started.

"You can get addicted to it and it's kind of hard once you are addicted," Sanford said.

Sanford said she knows she has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Her 10-day suspension ends next week. She's allowed to go back to school on Wednesday. 

Paradigm Malibu is devoted to the provision of state of the art Teen Drug Treatment, Adolescent Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Emotional Health Treatment. To learn more about our services, please visit our web site at: www.paradigmmalibu.com

Bullying And Mental Health: Study Links Anxiety, Hyperactivity In Kids To Bullying

Much research probing the link between bullying and mental health has focused on how being bullied contributes to the development of issues like anxiety and depression. But a new study suggests the relationship goes both ways, finding that boys and girls with mental health disorders are three times more likely to be the bully.

The study, presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics' national conference in New Orleans on Monday, found that kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) -- which is characterized by frequent tantrums and revenge seeking -- were six times more likely to be identified as bullies than children with no mental health disorders, while children with depression were three times more likely. Children with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were also around three times more likely to be bullies, according to parental reports.

"There is a larger story behind why children bully," said study author Dr. Frances Turcotte-Benedict, a Brown University masters of public health student and a fellow at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. "And part of that story may include the diagnosis of a mental health disorder."

She and her colleagues used data provided by the parents of some 64,000 children ages 6 to 17 as part of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Approximately 15 percent of the children were identified as bullies.

Dr. Steven Meyers, a professor of psychology at Roosevelt University and a Chicago-based clinical psychologist who did not work on the new study, said the findings were not particularly surprising, at least in terms of ODD. That disorder, which affects between 1 percent and 16 percent of school-age children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, is characterized by many of the traits that are associated with bullying, such as aggression.

Nor was Meyers surprised by the finding that children with ADHD were more likely to be bullies.

"Even though, by definition, these children aren't angry or aggressive toward their peers, they do display traits that would increase the likelihood of having impaired social interactions," he told HuffPost. "If you're not really thinking through the consequences of your actions on the playground, you might not have the self-monitoring or restraint to hold back from bullying."

But Meyers said he was surprised by the finding that children with anxiety and depression were more likely to be bullies. Teachers and mental health providers do not think of children with such a diagnosis as being prone to bullying, he said, explaining they are considered "internalizing" disorders. One explanation, he said, is that children with anxiety or depression may perceive situations as being more negative or threatening than they truly are.

Additionally, a common stressor could lead to both a diagnosis for depression and contribute to that child lashing out and acting like a bully.

"For example, a child could be experiencing high levels of stress because his parents are getting a divorce," Meyers said. "That distress could be evident through depressive symptoms, but also could lead toward being aggressive to others."

Notably, the study found no differences between boys and girls.

"Both boys and girls with a diagnosis of any mental health disorder are more likely to be bullies," said Turcotte-Benedict. "However, when you look at gender and mental health disorders alone, white, non-Hispanic boys were more likely than girls to be diagnosed." Government estimates suggest that 1 in 5 children and teens in the U.S. have a serious, diagnosable mental health disorder that interferes with their day-to-day functioning. But only 20 percent get help, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Turcotte-Benedict said the new study emphasizes the need for continued research into the complicated link between mental health disorders and bullying in order to improve prevention efforts.

"We need to assess bullying prevention programs for their effect on children with mental health disorders," she said, "and whether psychological support for these children has any impact on bullying behavior."

Paradigm Malibu is devoted to the provision of state of the art Teen Drug Treatment, Adolescent Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Emotional Health Treatment. To learn more about our services, please visit our web site at: www.paradigmmalibu.com
 

Depression in Teens

It’s not unusual for young people to experience "the blues" or feel "down in the dumps" occasionally. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life.

Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact. Many young people feel that life is not fair or that things "never go their way." They feel "stressed out" and confused. To make matters worse, teens are bombarded by conflicting messages from parents, friends and society. Today’s teens see more of what life has to offer — both good and bad — on television, at school, in magazines and on the Internet. They are also forced to learn about the threat of AIDS, even if they are not sexually active or using drugs.

Teens need adult guidance more than ever to understand all the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. When teens’ moods disrupt their ability to function on a day-to-day basis, it may indicate a serious emotional or mental disorder that needs attention — adolescent depression. Parents or caregivers must take action.

Dealing With Adolescent Pressures

When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents.

• Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens’ self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.
• Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
• Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests.
• Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help.

But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events (such as death or divorce), side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns.

Recognizing Adolescent Depression

Adolescent depression is increasing at an alarming rate. Recent surveys indicate that as many as one in five teens suffers from clinical depression. This is a serious problem that calls for prompt, appropriate treatment. Depression can take several forms, including bipolar disorder (formally called manic-depression), which is a condition that alternates between periods of euphoria and depression.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose in teens because adults may expect teens to act moody. Also, adolescents do not always understand or express their feelings very well. They may not be aware of the symptoms of depression and may not seek help.

These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:

• Poor performance in school
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
• Anger and rage
• Overreaction to criticism
• Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
• Poor self-esteem or guilt
• Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Substance abuse
• Problems with authority
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. Teens also may express their depression through hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behavior. But such behaviors only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends, family, law enforcement or school officials.

Treating Adolescent Depression

It is extremely important that depressed teens receive prompt, professional treatment.

Depression is serious and, if left untreated, can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary for family members or other concerned adults to seek professional advice.

Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and learn how to cope with stressful situations. Depending on the situation, treatment may consist of individual, group or family counseling. Medications that can be prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary to help teens feel better.

Some of the most common and effective ways to treat depression in adolescents are:

• Psychotherapy provides teens an opportunity to explore events and feelings that are painful or troubling to them. Psychotherapy also teaches them coping skills.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teens change negative patterns of thinking and behaving.
• Interpersonal therapy focuses on how to develop healthier relationships at home and at school.
• Medication relieves some symptoms of depression and is often prescribed along with therapy.

When depressed adolescents recognize the need for help, they have taken a major step toward recovery. However, remember that few adolescents seek help on their own. They may need encouragement from their friends and support from concerned adults to seek help and follow treatment recommendations.

Facing the Danger Of Teen Suicide

Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth.

Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. Pay attention to these warning signs:

• Suicide threats, direct and indirect
• Obsession with death
• Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death
• Giving away belongings
• Dramatic change in personality or appearance
• Irrational, bizarre behavior
• Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection
• Changed eating or sleeping patterns
• Severe drop in school performance
• Giving away belongings

REMEMBER!!! These warning signs should be taken seriously. Obtain help immediately. Caring and support can save a young life.

Helping Suicidal Teens

• Offer help and listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture.
• Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life.
• Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly!
• Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life — family, friends and teachers.

Looking To The Future

When adolescents are depressed, they have a tough time believing that their outlook can improve. But professional treatment can have a dramatic impact on their lives. It can put them back on track and bring them hope for the future.

To learn more about Teen Depression Treatment or Teen Drug Addiction Treatment, visit Paradigm Malibu at www.paradigmmalibu.com