Teen boy "acting out"

Please tell me whether or not my teen boy is acting out from anxiety/depression or teen rebellion. He's been in bad shape, mentally, for some time and the psychia & psycholo's can't quite figure it out. They have diagnosed him with severe anxiety and depression with, at one time but not now, psychotic episodes. He is on Zoloft and was on Abilify. Abilify seemed to help him act happier and normal, but it also causes a rare side effect of erections.

The problem is, besides his being anxious and depressed, that he sabotages relationships with friends, aggravates everyone, and has no apparent sense of guilt. Scolding him is like talking to a brick wall. He cries sincerely and admits that he doesn't now why he does these things, but he keeps doing them. Something has to give here. He hasn't been the same since coming home from visiting with his father last year. He's a different child. I feel so sorry for him, yet I want to scream!!!!

Any comments, helpful tips, or suggestions?

Wish I could help you out here. I don't believe that someone can cast a "spell" on anyone. I do believe that the fathers behavior can have a dramatic impact on the lives of their children. Have you been able to find out what went on when your son was at his father's? I would guess that there is some triggering event or events that occured and this is your son's way of escaping them.

Yes. It is scary that his personality changed in one weekend. He attempted to run away from his Dad's that weekend and was froffing at the mouth, crying, clinging to cars, etc. I made him return to his Dad's house for the rest of the wknd so as to comply with the law which I am so mad at myself for doing. I have spent a few thousand dollars since that fateful weekend last year to get my son back to normal, but I fear that he will not be the same again. He insists nothing heynous (sp?) went on other than verbal arguing and mind games, but I would guess that something did and he cannot remember. I know that just arguing, fighting, etc. with one's parent does not make one go virtually mad. This mixed with puberty is a highly complicated, frustrating thing. As for DHS investigating, etc. - I've given up on justice being done by our legal system. The courts are so intent on giving the non-custodial a fair chance that they ignore the obvious. His Dad abused him physically 3 years ago because he would not tell him 'why' he did not love him and didn't want to be there. Eventually he got his full visitation again even though my son begged the Judge not to make him return. I've pretty much lost faith in justice. Hopefully, prayerfully, time will heal and he will, I swear, never be made to return to his father again against his will.

As for the meds, I will investigate other options as the sleep deprivation is making his life additional hell.

Thanks for the encouragement, Rosie. Have a wonderful evening.

Has your son had a physical exam as well as psychiatric visits? Could it be be something physical like a glandular problem or brain tumor? Schizophrenia strikes teens and young adults. Sounds serious and the situation is aggravated by his father.

I wish you good luck in coping with this difficult situation.

Hi and welcome fair skies   .  Not sure if you still post or read here but I just read your post.  I find it truly heartbreaking.  Here's my personal opinion on the situation. 

Boys deeply crave their fathers and your son has been rejected therefore he is acting out.  This along with hormones makes for tough teen years.  I think this is partly why he sabatoges friendships, fear of being rejected so he rejects first. 

As to whether or not someone can put a spell on somebody; well, I just believe words have the power of life or death.  A parent can definetely have a huge impact or how a child feels about him/herself.  If you constantly boost your child and encourage them, they will do better and of course the opposite is also true. 

I hope and pray that this situation changes for you fair skies.  Sounds like you're an awesome mom looking out for your sons best interest.  I pray the courts see the same.