The doctor diagnosed my niece with "adolescence" and released her the next day. He put my niece on Halodol and told my sister that there would be more episodes. What does this diagnosis mean? I cannot find it anywhere, and would like some input.

Pink Ninja,

(((hugs)))

I believe that the doctor's diagnosis of "adolescence" means that your neice is at the developmental level of an adolescent. A time when kids push the caregiver's limits ~ they try drugs and drinking, being defiant.

The Halodol is a drug given to put people into a calmer state of mind. Depending upon your neice's tolerance to the dosage, it may be the right med to keep her mood less angry & more relaxed.

Hopefully, the doctor has referred your neice to a psychiatrist and T (therapist). A psychiatric doctor should be used to monitor the med (dosage and effectiveness). The T can help your neice work through her emotions in a healthy ~ and not damaging ~ way.

Unfortunately, I have recently heard about teens and young adults using all sorts of chemicals to get a "high". Like: whoever came up with the idea of snorting bath salts?? Youth are trying more things in more damaging ways than ever. Hopefully, your neice is simply going through this adolescent drug phase & can be snapped out of it easily. Lots of the chemicals now used for "high" can easily kill or cause permanent brain damage! I strongly advise you to do your best to get your neice to go to T regularly.

Very best wishes to your family ~ gentle hugs sent to you!