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17 and refusing to take meds
Apr 25, 2006
I am at my wits end here. I have custody of a child who was born positive. She refuses to take any kind of meds. Her condition is worsining. Her cd4 counts are 78 and her viral load is 49,000. They are giving her only a couple of more years do to the recent problems with oportunistic infections, if she does not take her meds. I think this problem is mental and emotional because she recently was diagnosed with panic attacks but she also refuses to she anyone for the either. She is like a closed door, but I am scared her unwillingness to communicate her issues will cause her death. I am open to any suggestions you have. PLEASE HELP!
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Response from Dr. Horwath
I can only imagine the frustration that you are experiencing. However, teenagers at the age of 17 cannot be forced to do things like take medications or go to treatment. You can talk to her, advise her and try to persuade her, but you cannot control her. It may be helpful to enlist the aid of someone that she trusts and is close to (a friend, teacher, cousin, other relative, etc.).
It may also be helpful to try to educate her about treatment. Get the help of someone who knows about HIV and its treatment to sit down and explain it in detail. She may have some misconceptions that are frightening her and preventing her from moving ahead with treatment.
Good luck.
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