I am 43. I have a 21 year old son with serious problems. He was born with his fingers not being fully developed. The baby finger being the only 'noticeable one'.
My question is he has so many mental problems. Diagnosed at 14 with adhd. Fought the school system for years about no meds till I was finally backed against the wall. Well he did quite well and I was truely pleased with that. He became an honor roll student, graduated with honors. Great kid. Then went off meds because he felt stigmatized in 11th grade. And boy has it been a ride since.

He had always had 'anger outbursts'. Was a detached baby of sorts. Preferred his crib to being held unless being fed. Was extremely shy as an infant. Would go crawl under his crib and play when people would come. Was a good baby outside of these things. He did finally become more affectionate at 1 or so. Then it went totally extreme the other way.

my son turned to pot to self medicate. He prefers this to actual meds.
Is just such a mess really. He finally asked for help last week. So off to crisis we went. He has stayed clean. Knows I am serious about this being his 'last chance'. That if he messes up he will be out for good. I have epilepsy and the emotional stuff is very hard on me. His anger outburst the last year are plain scary. Very out of control. I am afraid of him when he gets that way.

Does anyone know if mental defects can occur with anticonvulsants? I was on dilantin 300mg a day. We know he suffered a physical defect of his extremeties. But what about his brain? I can't help but blame myself for him being like this. I have an older son who is fine. I wasn't epileptic with him. He is 23 a soldier, married and doing very well. My heart just breaks for my 21 year old. I want him to be better health wise. Did my meds somehow mess up his brain?