Posts by rapidfalcon22

Thank you so much. 🙂

In the meantime, I went ahead and checked in with my accounting firm to settle everything, paying out the authors' net fees while sending the corresponding taxes and local levies directly to the municipal accounts in their respective cities... 🙂

EDIT:
If anyone else finds this helpful, the template is version 22.

quiettiger44, thank you so much. 🙂

Since this payment is for an author's royalty, the creator should be eligible for a tax refund... I was wondering if there is a specific code I should enter under the contract type 😕 to indicate it's specifically for royalties... Also, could I perhaps use the author's Social Security number in the approval number field, because when I'm using net banking through JPMorgan Chase, the system doesn't actually ask for the recipient's name —there isn't even a dedicated space to input their full name —it just asks for the account number
...

Anyone 🙂 ...?

I am reaching out because I could really use some urgent guidance on a technical matter... As a small business owner, I need to transfer net royalty payments from my business account to the individual bank accounts of my collaborators via online banking, but I’ve hit a bit of a wall regarding the required fields. I am quite unsure 😢 what specifically needs to be entered into the "approval reference number" and "debit reference number" fields.

Could someone please clarify what the "approval reference number" actually signifies and what information I should provide there?
And similarly, what does the "debit reference number" entail, and what belongs in that space?

I would be truly grateful for any help you can offer...

Kate Jackson12 said:I have a degree in literature
and it really depends on whether you need rigorous proofreading
or just enough work to make it flow smoothly and clearly
From what I can tell, your spelling and grammar are quite solid.
Let me know if you still haven't found anyone... 👍

The English language doesn't actually recognize the phrase "is it that"... 😉
Your punctuation isn't exactly your strongest suit either. 😁
That whole idea of making things "smooth and clear" is really just a matter of style. 🙂

To be perfectly honest—I didn't major in English or literature—but reading texts like this... can be quite painful to the eyes... 😉

brightsurfer said:Hey!!! To every single one of your questions, the answer is a hard no... I don't have any behavioral issues or feel disconnected from people, and my sleep is totally fine. My focus is great too... I'm not aggressive at all, and I definitely don't have any suicidal thoughts. Back in school, I was actually top of my class. As for drinking... I'll have a drink here and there, but I don't deal with any side effects other than a hangover the next morning.🙂)))))
It really just varies from person to person.

Thank you. 🙂

brightsurfer said:HELP!!!!!
I'm feeling a little lost and could really use some input from anyone else dealing with unknown.
So, basically, I had this episode where I was hallucinating—hearing voices and just thinking some total nonsense—and it lasted about three days. I ended up at the psych ward for a day, got diagnosed with unknown, was prescribed meds, and then went home. That was three years ago. Since then, I've been totally fine; nothing like that has ever happened again. I'm currently on 5mg of Zyprexa. Life is good—I work, go to school, and honestly, I'm pretty happy. About six months ago, I went for a check-up, and I decided I didn't want to stop the meds. To be honest, I'm not even sure why, but they don't really mess with my life or cause any issues. Anyway, she gave me an unknown diagnosis.
I honestly have no clue why she gave me that. I only had that one single episode and literally nothing since. Zilch. My psychiatrist was talking such nonsense I actually felt sick. I think I seriously need to find a new doctor, but I have no idea who to see. Does anyone here know a decent psychiatrist?
Also, I wanted to ask someone who actually deals with unknown... PLEASE... when is the right time to tell a guy about your condition? Has anyone gone through this or anything?
I feel like if I told him right away, most guys would honestly just freak out and run for the hills. I don't really know anyone who would actually accept it and stick around.
Most people just don't get what this is like....

I am not sure how old you are, but since you mentioned being in school, I imagine you are still quite young... My son was diagnosed with unknown...
Our pediatrician is a bit skeptical about this psychiatric diagnosis, so they suggested we come here to seek a second opinion... The official website for pediatric psychiatric services in the United States... They say that top-tier specialists take the time to truly explore every possibility and closely monitor the child or adolescent before they ever commit to a diagnosis or finalize a report... My son has been on a 5 mg daily dose of unknown for a few weeks now, along with unknown as needed. We are planning to head there in early October to seek a second opinion...

I find myself wondering... do you actually harbor doubts about your diagnosis? If what you say is true—that the paranoid episode was a one-time occurrence and you're functioning perfectly fine in your daily life—then why are you so hesitant to stop the medication? Is there a fear that the condition might resurface, or perhaps a worry that you aren't truly well and that the drugs are merely masking the reality... Because if your doctor had intended to taper you off, she likely wouldn't have been concerned about your stability at all, but rather wanted to clear the diagnosis entirely, were it not for your overwhelming anxiety regarding stopping the treatment... 🤷

EDIT

By the way, I was wondering if I might ask you something... 🙂:

Has your ability to focus been impacted by the medication... Are you still able to study and attend classes normally, and can you manage to follow along with your lessons...
When you find yourself out on the town with friends, do you ever indulge in a drink... and if you do, how do people typically react, considering the medication you're currently taking...
Have you ever found yourself drifting into those destructive, self-sabotaging patterns... It feels as though there is this constant, underlying aggression directed toward everyone else, toward objects, and even inward toward oneself...Have you ever experienced episodes of losing control, such as breaking things, screaming, or being physically violent toward someone, or perhaps even struggling with thoughts of self-harm...? If so, I wonder how your parents managed those moments, and whether they were able to provide actual support, or if you simply had to wait for the storm to pass on its own...
- Did you ever experience episodes of running away from home?
- Have you dealt with severe sleep disturbances, such as staying awake for two days and nights straight? If so, how was that managed, perhaps through medication?
- Did you go through phases of social withdrawal, where you felt detached from everyone else and retreated into your own private world—avoiding school, friends, or even just leaving the house...?

I find myself with so many questions... Over the last few weeks, I have been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding schizophrenia and related disorders, but understanding the theory is one thing, while learning how to actually support a child living with such a diagnosis is an entirely different matter. I would be truly grateful if you could share even a few insights with me... 🙂

Thank you.

Noah Garcia4 said:There's no reason to take offense; for all I know, you might have a diagnostic code for just being an absolute nightmare without any formal label attached.
As it stands, I am clearly the one dealing with a severe illness here, whereas your child isn't facing a terminal prognosis—it's just a matter of them potentially never fully recovering.

To be perfectly honest, I cannot quite wrap my head around your initial comment where you diagnosed me with "processing things without explanation"... 😕

I came here to reach out to those who might share similar experiences with their children, or perhaps to anyone with specialized expertise (such as a child psychiatrist or a specialist).

I am truly sorry to hear that you are, as you put it, "quite ill" 😢, and I wouldn't wish any hardship or misfortune upon anyone... I will say it again, though please don't take offense, because I believe everyone's definition of being "ill" is deeply personal (and I use that term subjectively). What I mean is, if you are indeed struggling with your health, you seem intelligent and resilient enough (as an adult) to seek out ways to support your own wellbeing (whether that be physical or mental). Children simply aren't capable of that, as they rely entirely on us...

I never suggested my child would "die" due to a diagnosis (I was merely responding to your remark about "preparing to never get your child back" by saying "I hope we don't lose our child," which is how I interpreted your words), but I feel any parent in this position would struggle with fears regarding the side effects of medication. That is the sole reason I sought advice here. If this wasn't the right forum for such questions, I apologize (though it seems it wasn't 😢) and I sincerely wish you strength and healing in your journey...🙂.

I have gathered all the diagnostic codes and their corresponding descriptions here:

ICD-10 F: Mental disorders and behavioral disorders

The tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) provides the coding system used for diseases, symptoms, and various abnormalities, as classified by the World Health Organization. Below is the list from the chapter regarding mental and behavioral disorders:

F00-F99 Mental disorders and behavioral disorders

(F00-F09) Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders

· F00 Dementia due to Alzheimer's
o F00.0 Alzheimer's disease dementia, early onset
o F00.1 Alzheimer's disease dementia, late onset
o F00.2 Atypical or mixed Alzheimer's disease dementia
o F00.9 Alzheimer's disease dementia, unspecified
· F01 Vascular dementia
o F01.0 Acute vascular dementia
o F01.1 Vascular dementia due to multiple infarcts
o F01.2 Subcortical vascular dementia
o F01.3 Cortical and subcortical vascular dementia
o F01.8 Other vascular dementia
o F01.9 Vascular dementia, unspecified
· F02 Dementia in other diseases
o F02.0 Dementia due to Pick's disease
o F02.1 Dementia due to Creutzfeldt-Jakob
o F02.2 Dementia due to Huntington's
o F02.3 Dementia due to Parkinson's
o F02.4 Dementia in AIDS
o F02.8 Dementia in other specified diseases
· F03 Unspecified dementias
· F04 Organic amnestic syndrome
· F05 Delirium
o F05.0 Delirium without dementia
o F05.1 Delirium with dementia
o F05.8 Other deliriums
o F05.9 Delirium, unspecified
o F06 Other mental disorders due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease
o F06.0 Organic hallucinosis
o F06.1 Organic catatonic disorder
o F06.2 Organic delusional disorder (similar to schizophrenia)
o F06.3 Organic mood disorders
o F06.4 Organic anxiety disorder
o F06.5 Organic dissociative disorder
o F06.6 Organic emotional disorder (asthenic)
o F06.7 Mild cognitive disorder
o F06.8 Other specified mental disorders due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease
o F06.9 Mental disorder due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease, unspecified
· F07 Personality and behavior disorders due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease
o F07.0 Organic personality disorders
o F07.1 Post-encephalitic syndrome
o F07.2 Post-concussive syndrome
o F07.8 Other organic personality and behavioral disorders due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease
o F07.9 Organic personality disorder and behavioral disorder due to brain damage and dysfunction and to physical disease, unspecified
· F09 Unspecified organic or symptomatic mental disorders
o F09.0 Acute poisoning
o F09.1 Abuse
o F09.2 Dependence syndrome
o F09.3 Withdrawal syndrome
o F09.4 Withdrawal syndrome with delirium
o F09.5 Mental disorder
o F09.6 Amnestic syndrome
o F09.7 Psychotic consequences and late onset
o F09.8 Other mental and behavioral disorders
o F09.9 Mental disorder and behavioral disorder, unspecified

(F10-F19) Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

· The following conditions represent subtypes for all codes ranging from F10 to F19
o (F1x.0) acute intoxication
o (F1x.1) abuse
o (F1x.2) dependence syndrome
o (F1x.3) withdrawal syndrome
o (F1x.4) withdrawal syndrome with delirium
o (F1x.5) psychotic disorder
o (F1x.6) amnestic syndrome
o (F1x.7) psychotic disorder
Other mental and behavioral disorders (F1x.8)...
It seems we are looking at those unspecified mental and behavioral disorders under the F1x.9 classification... which often leaves so much left to be determined...

The classification regarding mental and behavioral disorders stemming from alcohol use, specifically involving acute intoxication...
F10.6 Korsakoff's psychosis...
The clinical classification for mental and behavioral disorders stemming from opioid use, categorized under F11...
The classification regarding F12 mental and behavioral disorders resulting from cannabinoid use...
The classification for mental and behavioral disorders stemming from the use of hypnotics or sedatives falls under the F13 category...
The clinical classifications regarding mental and behavioral disorders stemming from cocaine use, specifically under the F14 designation...
F15 Mental disorders and behavioral disorders due to use of other stimulants, including caffeine...
The complexities surrounding F16 mental and behavioral disorders stemming from hallucinogen use remain deeply profound...
The classification regarding F17 mental and behavioral disorders resulting from tobacco use...
The classification regarding F18, which covers mental and behavioral disorders stemming from the use of volatile solvents...
The classification under F19 involves mental and behavioral disorders resulting from the combined use of multiple drugs and other psychoactive substances...

The classification regarding schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and manic states...

The diagnosis of F20 schizophrenia carries such profound weight... one can only hope for clarity amidst the complexity of the symptoms...
The diagnosis of F20.0 paranoid schizophrenia remains a deeply complex matter...
The diagnosis of F20.1 Hebephrenic schizophrenia...
Regarding the diagnosis of F20.2 catatonic schizophrenia...
The diagnosis of F20.3, or undifferentiated schizophrenia...
The diagnosis of F20.4 post-schizophrenic depression...
F20.5 Residual schizophrenia...
The diagnosis of F20.6, commonly referred to as simple schizophrenia...
The diagnosis of F20.8, which covers other forms of schizophrenia...
The diagnosis remains F25...
It feels like I am constantly navigating the complexities of an F21 diagnosis, which presents its own unique set of challenges...
The persistent episodes of mania associated with F22...
The clinical reality of F22.0 paranoia often manifests as an overwhelming state of delusion...
The clinical designation for other persistent psychotic disorders, specifically F22.8...
F22.9 Persistent state of mania, unspecified...
The classification regarding F23, which covers acute and transient psychotic disorders...
F23.0 Acute polymorphic psychotic disorder without schizophrenic symptoms...
F23.1 Acute polymorphic psychotic disorder with schizophrenic symptoms...
The diagnosis of F23.2, an acute psychotic disorder that shares many characteristics with schizophrenia...
F23.3 Acute psychotic disorders, predominantly manic...
The diagnosis of F23.8 involves acute and transient psychotic disorders...
The diagnosis of F23.9, which refers to an unspecified acute and transient psychotic disorder...
The clinical diagnosis of F24, which involves induced mania...
The phenomenon of shared delusions, often referred to as Folie à deux... it remains such a complex and haunting aspect of the human psyche...
Understanding the complexities surrounding F25 schizoaffective disorders...
F25.0 Schizoaffective disorder, manic type...
F25.1 Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type...
The diagnosis of F25.2, which refers to schizoaffective disorder, mixed type...
The clinical classification regarding F25.8, which covers other schizoaffective disorders...
F25.9 Unspecified schizoaffective disorder...
The diagnosis of F28, which encompasses other non-organic psychotic disorders...
F29 Unspecified nonorganic psychotic disorder...

The spectrum of mood disorders under the F30-F39 classifications... it remains such a complex area of study for those of us navigating the nuances of mental health...

The clinical presentation of F30 manic episodes...
The diagnosis of F30.0 Hypomania...
F30.1 Mania without psychotic symptoms...
The diagnosis of F30.2 involves mania accompanied by psychotic symptoms...
The clinical diagnosis involves F30.8, which refers to other manic episodes...
F30.9 Manic episode, unspecified...
Living with F31 Bipolar disorder carries such a heavy weight, and I often find myself wondering if there's a way to truly find balance amidst the shifting tides...
F31.0 Bipolar affective disorder, hypomanic episode...
F31.1 Bipolar affective disorder, manic episode without psychotic symptoms...
F31.2 Bipolar affective disorder, manic episode with psychotic symptoms...
F31.3 Bipolar affective disorder, featuring a mild or moderate depressive episode...
F31.4 Bipolar affective disorder, characterized by a severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms...
F31.5 Bipolar affective disorder, featuring a severe depressive episode accompanied by psychotic symptoms...
F31.6 Bipolar affective disorder, mixed episode...
F31.7 Bipolar affective disorder, in remission...
F31.8 Other bipolar affective disorders...
F31.9 Bipolar affective disorder, unspecified...
The diagnosis of F32 depression feels like such a heavy weight to carry... one just wonders how to navigate through the fog...
The diagnosis is F32.0, which points to a mild depressive episode...
F32.1 Moderate depressive episode...
Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms, classified under F32.2...
Severe depressive episode with psychotic features, specifically under the F32.3 classification...
The diagnosis of F32.8 involves other depressive episodes, which can be quite difficult to navigate...
F32.9 Unspecified depressive episode...
· F33 Recurrent depressive disorder
o F33.0 Mild recurrent depressive disorder
o F33.1 Moderate recurrent depressive disorder
o F33.2 Severe recurrent depressive disorder without psychotic symptoms
o F33.3 Severe recurrent depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms
o F33.4 Recurrent depressive disorder, in remission
o F33.8 Other recurrent depressive disorder
o F33.9 Recurrent depressive disorder, unspecified
· F34 Persistent mood disorders
o F34.0 Cyclothymia
o F34.1 Dysthymia
o F34.8 Other persistent mood disorders
o F34.9 Persistent mood disorder, unspecified
· F38 Other mood disorders
o F38.0 Other single mood disorders
o F38.1 Other recurrent mood disorders
o F38.8 Other specified mood disorders
· F39 Unspecified mood disorder

Noah Garcia4 said:I’m dealing with F25 myself. You might want to brace yourselves now: you aren't going to get the child you once knew back, and someone should probably be blunt enough to tell you that upfront. It tends to only get more complicated from here.
And for heaven's sake, don't ever stop the medication, regardless of the cost or the hassle—those pills are absolute lifesavers.

According to the ICD-10 classification for your diagnosis (F25), it falls under "Schizoaffective disorder, manic type". Our son was diagnosed with F23.8: "Other acute and transient psychotic disorders". I don't mean to overstep, but I sincerely hope there isn't much overlap (your specific code sounds significantly more severe to me) and that we won't lose our child...😢.

I have been reflecting quite a bit on the recent discussions here... It seems we are all searching for a sense of clarity amidst so much uncertainty... The user says:
I suspect you aren't receiving any replies because this was posted in the wrong section... It might be more effective to start a fresh thread, as this specific case doesn't seem to relate to schizophrenia. This particular discussion is mostly frequented by individuals dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and since we don't have many psychiatrists active here—just a few psychologists or those interested in the field—it tends to be a space where patients primarily offer support to one another...

I decided to post this here because I finally managed to track down his specific diagnosis code under the... The diagnostic categories covering F20 through F29 encompass schizophrenia, schizophrenia-like disorders, and manic states...I thought I might find someone here, if not a child psychiatrist, then perhaps at least a parent navigating a similar situation...

I am simply observing the patterns as they unfold... hoping to find some clarity amidst the noise... says:
I find myself wondering if my advice would even be useful to you, considering that I have taken that medication myself, though I don't suffer from schizophrenia or any related conditions or disorders...

Thank you so much, truly... 🙂

I am still reflecting on everything we discussed... it truly stays with you. says:
Generally speaking, that medication isn't reserved solely for schizophrenia or similar conditions, so please don't let that weigh too heavily on you... It is frequently prescribed for a wide range of F-coded diagnoses. I personally dealt with transient depression and borderline personality disorder, taking it intermittently over a three-year period, and I am now twenty-one years old. I truly believe people allow the potential side effects to overwhelm them, when in reality, those complications are quite rare and often sound much more terrifying than they ever actually manifest in practice. If there were a significant risk, I imagine a psychiatrist would be obligated to warn you, but it is always wise to speak up and alert your doctor if you feel something isn't right...

The facts you shared above bring me a sense of comfort, and I find great solace in your kind words... Since you aren't much older than my son—he turns 15 this coming January—and considering you mentioned being on Vera for three years, I imagine you must have started that medication no later than when you were 18...I am truly relieved if those side effects remain rare, and I sincerely hope my child won't end up being one of those "rare" cases... 😢.

I find myself reflecting on these matters quite deeply... perhaps it is simply how I am wired to process the world around me... says:
...my only concern remains that the medication hasn't been tested on minors, so I truly don't know how it might affect children. And this mention of dementia doesn't sound very reassuring...

Neither do I. 😢
However, he is quite advanced and mature for his age, so I find some comfort in knowing the dosage is actually prescribed based on height and weight, rather than just general development (much like when you would give a small baby an antibiotic or a vaccination based on the child's total body mass).

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

He refused to take the medicine yesterday and today, so I gave it to him by dissolving half a tablet in some warm cocoa (for the first four days he needs to take half of a 5 mg tablet, and after that, the full tablet). The day before yesterday (the first day) the reaction was prolonged sleeping, though I attribute that specific reaction today to exhaustion (he stayed awake all night before, and after being without sleep for 24 hours, he simply had to be overtired). Or perhaps it acted as a placebo for him (first, we went through everything on the list provided to us by the psychiatrist—though it would be more accurate to say we went there at the insistence of his specialist, who has been working with him since first grade). On that first day, he agreed to swallow the first half of the pill and within five minutes said he felt sleepy and that he "would never again take this piece of crap in his life." Yesterday and today (when he didn't even realize he had actually taken the pill), there has been no change in his behavior: he still has no need for sleep, and he remains very destructive, self-destructive, aggressive, and nervous.

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

As much as the first part of your quote comforts me, this part scares me deeply 😢. The doctor mentioned she prescribed the lowest possible dose and that we might see the first effects in about two weeks, and if he reacts positively to the medication, we would continue with it after a month. Otherwise, she would change his therapy.

silentraven11 said:I think nobody is replying because you posted this in the wrong spot. You should probably just start a new thread since this case doesn't really have anything to do with schizophrenia. Most people here are dealing with schizophrenia or similar disorders, and there aren't many psychiatrists on this forum—maybe a few psychologists or people pretending to be them. It's mostly patients looking for help and giving advice to one another. I don't know if my advice would even help you, considering I took that medication but I don't have schizophrenia or any related condition...

Anyway, that drug isn't just prescribed for schizophrenia and stuff like that, so don't let that stress you out. They prescribe it for all sorts of F-codes. I was diagnosed with transient depression and BPD, and I was on it with breaks for three years. I'm 21 now. I think people get too worked up over side effects that are super rare and usually sound terrifying but never actually happen. If something were serious, your doctor should have warned you. And you should warn them if you notice any issues with side effects.

The only thing I'm unsure about is that the drug hasn't been tested on minors, so who knows how it affects kids. And that part about dementia doesn't sound great either.

As for you saying the kid is sleepy and passive from the meds, that's totally normal, especially at first. I used to sleep half the day away. Also, the most common side effects are increased appetite and mild amnesia. It really weakens your memory; for me, those three years were just a total fog. You kind of lose track of time. It's almost like some kind of drug, I guess. And honestly, you do become more passive, and it can turn into a sort of vegetative state—lower ability to learn, being slow, feeling dull, etc.
Personally, I think you should wait and see if the medicine actually helps the child. If the negative effects outweigh the good ones, it's better to stop taking it. In layman's terms, this report looks pretty poorly written to me, and I wouldn't trust a doctor or psychologist who wrote it like that. What was the reason you took the child to a psychiatrist in the first place? Not that I'm prying...
Based on what was written, I think the diagnosis is an exaggeration. It might be best to find a different doctor. That's all from me, since I'm not an expert.

He has been a child with special needs since birth. When he was six and a half, starting first grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental asynchronous development. He attended a mainstream public school, as he didn't require a specialized curriculum, just an individualized approach (though, over time, he was 🙄)—mainly because several intelligence tests have consistently shown him to have a well above-average IQ. We saw both his child psychiatrist and his psychologist regularly throughout elementary school, and he worked with a special education specialist throughout his entire primary education. Given the increasing self-destructive (suicidal ideation, self-harm) and his overall destructive behavior (breaking anything within reach during outbursts, being aggressive toward us and his younger siblings who have no health or psychological issues, and acting out at school through the 8th grade...), the special education specialist suggested it would be best to take him to a psychiatrist specializing in adolescents within the next few days. The current doctor is very kind and highly experienced, but we will certainly be seeking a second opinion, God forbid, though the fact remains that he truly needs help...

shadowraven21 said:Oh my God, rapidfalcon22, I am so incredibly sorry for you 🙂

Dear shadowraven21 🙂, right now, we just have to face reality as it stands. He deserves the absolute best care and support possible, so he can navigate his challenges and find a way to engage with the world in a positive, meaningful way... I feel like I've cried every tear there is to cry over these last two days, and today I'm just completely emotionally drained (as far as the pain goes), but my priority now is finding him the highest quality help and surrounding him with all the love in the world so we can get through this together. You know better than anyone, I don't even need to say it, how an mother will move heaven and earth for her children if she has to... 😘

Is there truly no one 😢?

...who is taking (IF they are taking) Vera.

Basically, yesterday my son (who is 14 years and 8 months old) was diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (F23.8) alongside ADHD and developmental delays, which were originally identified back in first grade 😢.

Here is a partial transcript of the findings (I have removed all personal details and specific descriptions that might identify him):

''Patient arrives accompanied by mother. He hasn't been treated here before (Mayo Clinic, per prescriber's note) , but saw Dr. xxx on several occasions between 2001 and 2005 (redacted data). He was diagnosed with ADHD in first grade and hasn't received pharmacotherapy until now. Medical documentation (attached) also indicates developmental delays. At school, there were numerous inadequate reactions to his behavior... (redacted descriptions of teachers' inappropriate reactions towards him) . He worked continuously with special education teacher xxx (redacted data) . Last psychological testing was in 2006, as was the EEG (showing altered results). Historically, the clinical picture was dominated by restlessness, being highly opinionated, talkativeness, and a lifelong struggle with spatial orientation. About a year ago, the clinical presentation shifted toward increasing social isolation, eventually leading to a reversal of sleep-wake cycles... Developed tics about one year ago. Avoids eye contact during communication, is quiet, tense, and has a diminished appetite. Raised in a nuclear family with both parents employed; has two younger brothers. Parents are both 37 years old.
Upon examination, he appears intrapsychically tense, anxious, and shows reduced facial expression; he is affectively detached and only makes eye contact upon request, which is then accompanied by tics (eye blinking). He responds briefly in a quiet voice with prolonged latencies. Denies delusions, though they cannot be ruled out with certainty. Lacks adequate insight into his condition and denies any difficulties. Antipsychotic therapy is recommended, along with further diagnostic workup: psychological testing and EEG.
Diagnosis: Psychotic disorder F23.8...
..... Developmental disorder F83
..... ADHD F90 ex anan.
Th: Vera: 5 mg 0-0-1/2 daily for the first 4 days, then 0-0-1 daily
..... Cogentin daily. 1 dose p.o.

Master xxx (redacted data), MD, psychiatrist''

And now... I looked up the diagnosis code (F23.8) and found it falls under the category ''F20-F29, Schizophrenia, schizophreniform and delusional disorders'', specifically under ''F23.8, Other acute and transient psychotic disorders''. Personally, I feel his symptoms don't quite align with the description of schizoid personality disorder; I would have leaned more toward emotional instability caused partly by the struggles established by his earlier diagnoses, and partly as a consequence of being ostracized by peers due to labeling, which led to emotional volatility, increased impulsivity and aggression, and social isolation—all of which was compounded, naturally, by turbulent puberty... but I am no psychiatrist and am not qualified to make diagnoses or conclusions (so I will likely seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist). I am speaking solely based on my pedagogical experience, my perspective as a mother, and knowledge gained through my educational background in pedagogy and psychology... The issue is that I am deeply concerned about the medication he was prescribed. Specifically, the description of the drug mentions something that troubles me:

''...Olanzapine is a medication used to treat schizophrenia (an antipsychotic)...

...Since improvements in the clinical picture during antipsychotic use may only manifest after several days to several weeks, during that period...Patients require careful monitoring...

...Olanzapine is not intended for managing behavioral issues and/or psychosis associated with dementia , and it is not recommended for these patients due to the risk of cerebrovascular events and increased mortality...

...Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition linked to antipsychotic use. Rare cases have been documented as NMS in connection with olanzapine administration. Clinical signs of NMS include: hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and signs of autonomic instability (irregular pulse, unstable blood pressure, tachycardia, sweating, and cardiac arrhythmias). Additional indicators may involve elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. The clinical onset of NMS, or an unexplained fever without specific NMS markers, necessitates the immediate discontinuation of all antipsychotics, including olanzapine...

...While a direct causal link between venous thromboembolism and olanzapine treatment hasn't been established, it is recommended that patients with schizophrenia be screened for thromboembolism risk factors and that all necessary preventive measures be taken... (He hasn't undergone any screenings or checkups; he was just given the medication yesterday during his first encounter with the psychiatrist)

...Children and adolescents
The use of Vera tablets is not recommended in children, as targeted clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in pediatric populations have not been conducted...
The effectiveness and safety of using olanzapine in children and adolescents up to age 18 have not been established...

...Patients with diabetes
For patients with diabetes, as well as those at an increased risk of developing diabetes, appropriate clinical supervision is advised, as the use of Vera tablets can lead to hyperglycemia and/or the onset or worsening of diabetes, sometimes involving ketoacidosis or coma, particularly in instances of weight gain...'' (My husband is diabetic—Type 1, requiring insulin four times a day, completely insulin-dependent. Our child falls into the high-risk group for developing diabetes, yet even that wasn't taken into account.)

Are there any other parents here whose child has the same diagnosis and is taking this medication? Or perhaps a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist who could offer some guidance? To be honest, I would much rather not give him this medication until I hear another opinion. If it isn't meant for children under 18, why was it prescribed in the first place...?

Thank you so much in advance.

EDIT:

Note:

Yesterday afternoon, he took the first half of a tablet (he is supposed to take half a tablet for the first 4 days, then move to a full 5 mg daily dose). He fell asleep around 5 PM and didn't wake up until 10 AM today. I was panicking, checking to see if he was okay and breathing, but everything seemed fine; he slept like a baby. Still, I don't want my child to become a vegetable, just drifting through life... He is currently home on sick leave because of bronchitis and hasn't been in school since Monday (he's a freshman in high school), but if this is how he reacts (and that was only half a tablet!) , how is he going to function at the school he has to commute to once he starts the full dose...? On top of that, he already struggles enough with ADHD... There are a thousand questions and a thousand worries, and I just don't know the answers... 😢

Angela Flores76 said:...There used to be a thread dedicated to the USPS and all the issues we faced there—questions, advice, things of that nature...

Good morning. 🙂

The actual title was "Online Sales/Trading - Common Issues We Encounter" and it was meant to cover much more than just postal service troubles...😉

Kimberly Nguyen said:The kids might lower your overall capacity on paper, but since they’re listed under your husband, in your specific situation, they DON'T count against you at all...

Look, if you don't have any other outstanding debt or monthly obligations dragging you down (based on what you were pulling in before maternity leave), you should be looking at a monthly payment of at least $2,400 for a new loan...

That is wonderful! Thank you so, so much 😘!

Dear forum members,

I would be most grateful if those who possess reliable knowledge could provide a prompt response 🙂. I find myself in urgent need of securing a loan for my graduate studies (time is a significant factor, as the funds must be finalized within roughly ten days).

Securing a student loan to cover tuition costs typically depends on either an individual's creditworthiness or the inclusion of a co-signer. While I understand the general definitions of both terms, I am curious about the specific components that constitute an American citizen's creditworthiness—essentially, how exactly is it determined? For instance, does the number of children (three minors, all covered under my husband's insurance) impact one's credit capacity or reduce it in any way?

I am currently employed under a permanent contract, though I am presently on maternity leave until my third child reaches age three (which lasts until the spring of 2009). I do not hold any existing loans, nor am I a guarantor or co-signer for anyone else's debt. My husband is also steadily employed with a consistent income, but he is the primary borrower and guarantor for several loans, and as I mentioned, our children are covered under his plan. Would his financial obligations negatively affect my own ability to secure this graduate student loan?

I kindly ask for your guidance...

Thank you so much in advance for any information you can share 🙂.

Isn't this essentially discussing the exact same topic 😕 ?