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Basic InformationMore InformationLookupsLatest NewsGoogle Search Trends Suggest Mental Woes Vary by SeasonsU.S. Must Step Up Response to Vets, Report SaysNews Coverage of Shootings May Boost Stigma of Mental IllnessADHD Can Often Persist Into AdulthoodChildhood Bullying Linked to Adult Psychiatric OutcomesShared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and DepressionMarked Geographic Variation in Mental Health Medication UseSocial Withdrawal, Isolation Should Be Addressed in YoungMental Disorders Linked With Domestic Violence, Study SaysWorkplace Bullying Takes Toll on Witnesses Too, Study FindsADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study FindsConcerns for Long-Term Safety of Antipsychotics in Over 40sSAMHSA: Prevalence of Mental Illness in U.S. Stable in 2011Psychiatry Gets Revised Diagnostic ManualMental Illness Affects 1 in 5 U.S. Adults, Survey FindsLong-Term Use of Some Antipsychotics Not Warranted in Older Adults: StudyFor Many, 'Superstorm' Sandy Could Take Toll on Mental HealthDeployment Affects Mental Health of Relief WorkersPhysical Ailments Take Toll on Mental Health: StudySerious Mental Illness Tied to Higher Cancer, Injury Risk: StudiesAging Boomers' Mental Health Woes Will Swamp Health System: ReportFamily History of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder May Up Kids' Risk for AutismMental Health Woes Raise Odds for Prescription Painkiller Abuse Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
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Avoiding Her ParentsFri, Jul 14th 2000After the most recent visit with my parents, my husband and I decided to distance ourselves from them due to their (especially my father's) obvious mental health problems. They are in denial and would never dream of seeking therapy (while they do buy self-help books), and they think that the problems lie with everyone else. From what I've been able to learn about different disorders, it seems my father probably has narcissistic, paranoid, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder(s). I can't figure out my mother, but her problems don't seem as serious; I'd say my father's behavior is probably her biggest problem. Growing up in that environment was tough and has had lasting effects. After trying my best for years to have happy visits, with only limited success, I believe that to have a healthy adult life and marriage we must stay away from my parents. Does this seem like the right thing to do? And what about their rights as grandparents if we do have children? (Though we do live fairly far away geographically.) It also may help to know that I have ADHD which was never diagnosed (I was a high-achiever in school). Thank you for any advice you can offer. THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.
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