Child Psychology Help

[jamesnan]

Not sure what category this should go in, but I am trying to help my sister find some help for her 13 year old daughter. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and is in denial, not giving truthful blood readings etc, and this has been going on for a while, resents having to have injections every day, and is always eating. She also has learning problems,which is almost certainly a form of dyslexia, and has difficulty at school. Her family life has broken up with her father leaving the family home to act like a single man again. She has an older sister, who is good at school, and has no medical problems.
The diabetes nurse has said that she definitely needs physchiatric help, but that there is no help available in our area. Where/who does my sister turn to where she may be able to get some help for her daughter - she has been told the problem, but not the answers. We live in the Essex area.

[dannyk13]

Your local Health Authority should be able to assist you find a psychiatrist.

[LazyGun]

I would have thought your sisters first port of call ought to be the GP, to explain the gravity of type 1 diabetes, but also to explain that it can be managed fairly easily. And I would imagine that your GP could help recommend suitable psychiatric help as well.

[cazzz1975]

my daughters friend died a few months ago as a result of poorly managed type 1 diabetes, get her to see the gp, he may be able to refer her to something suitable

[jamesnan]

Everyone has tried to explain the gravity of the situation to her, including GP, nurses, etc but it does not register. She is in complete denial

[dannyk13]

From what you say it looks like she really does need a psychiatric assessment.

[jamesnan]

It does not help when the diabetes nurse tells her that she needs the help, then says she has no means to get the help for her. She was diagnosed over 2 years ago, but just not will accept it.

[woofgang]

Who has told her there is no help available? I have a feeling that the local NHS service MUST provide such help and if they haven't got it, then they must buy it in. The local Patient Advice and Liaison service is the first port of call for complaints. the diabetes nurse should be able to tell you how to get in touch with them. has she ever had her learning problems assessed and diagnosed? What does her school say?

[Mamyalynne]

Try contacting your nearest Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) they are very knowledgeable and may be able to point you in the right direction.

[Sqad]

Difficult...very very difficult and quite a problem in our modern teenagers.
They think that the treatment of diabetes is Insulin injections and diet plays no part whatsoever. If you want a giant cheeseburger you have one and just up your dose of Insulin is the attitude of the teenager.
You can lead a horse to water.............
I am not sure that this has anything to do with a psychiatric disorder.

Sorry my post is negative.

[jamesnan]

I think it a case of woe is me, I have lots of problems, which I don't want, my sister has none. If I just ignore it all it may go away, and I will be "normal", the diabetes will be gone, and I will enjoy school and learn a lot. The diabetic nurse has said that all her funding has been cut, and she will try to find some help for her, but my sister is tearing her hair out because she does not know what to do next. How do you get a stroppy teenager to take note of you?

[black_cat51]

http://www.sept.nhs.uk/Mental-Health/Young-People-Services/Child-and-Adolescent-Mental-Health-Service.aspx

[black_cat51]

also, you are not alone - it's a very well known phenomena for (paticularly) young women to have very poor diabetic control

[pixie373]

I agree with mamya. Camhs will be able to help. They can offer advice to you and counselling for your daughter. You can self-refer or go through your GP. quite common to rebel against it, especially for teenagers.

[DaisyNonna]

Camhs are often so stretched that they can only diagnose and then you are on your own. Not their fault, so many referrals.

[lyall]

Could be that all she needs is to talk to someone about her diabetes so she knows that she isn’t the only one, try here http://www.disabilityessex.org/disability-information-database/results.php?orgtype=Diabetes&orggroup=Health&county=
they may be able to help/advise.

[pixie373]

That may depend on the area, daisynonna. My daughter and son have both had help from them.

[DaisyNonna]

I'm sure it does pixie but it does mean that help can be very hard to find.

[Mamyalynne]

Maybe a site similar to this, preferably with a forum of similar ages etc may help....


https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/My-life/


I am sure there are others that cater for the teenager.

[johnny37]

I think it is unlikely your niece needs to see a psychiatrist but would benefit from counselling. As for finding no help she is ENTITLED to it, even if your gp has to refer her to another area. As already said go and see your gp. It is his job to see that your niece gets the best treatment. Dont be shy, you pay his salary. I find it hard to believe there is no help available, either a specialist child diabetes counsellor or children with any disability. In theory the gp should be able to scour the country if specialist help is not available locally. I have had diabetes for 30 years and know how difficult it is for children and parents. Good luck.

[sherrardk]

If she has additional educational needs ou could contact these people - http://www.parentpartnership.org.uk/

They might be able to point you in the right direction for assistance with her diabetes too.