My name is Angela, I am the mother of a 17 year old male.  

My son from the time he was molested at the age of 5 1/2 began having challenges. He was given many diagnoses. He has been in and out of psych hospitals. However, at age 11, we received the proper diagnoses, I believe. Because I have a grandmother also with much of the same history ( except not molested), their is strong evidence for the genetic link. Puberty has been the hardest on us all. Because he is a rapid cycler, and because of the biological changes that coincide with puberty, from ages 10 - just recently have been HELL! He has been in and out of jail and 1 group home, all directly related to his illness. He has had 2 suicide attempts and multiple manic induced psychotic episodes. Yes, he is most of the time just a normal teenager. However, even now with proper medications, I realize when he begins to cycle. He currently takes 1800 mg of lithium and 2 mg of risperdal a day. He has managed to make it to the 10th grade. He is currently working on a GED

My email is: suarezcaa.jcn@sbcglobal.net