My sister is 33. She was diagnosed with Learning Disabilities in 3rd grade and later with ADD as well. She has trouble with reading comprehension but also misenterprets what people say verbally. This would be difficult for any person or family however she does other things that I am not sure are standard with LD. She gets into huge rages and can be extremely verbally abusive. With family members she can even be phsically abusive. Everyone walks around on pins and needles so as not to set her off. She is extremely suspicious of people and situations and overly sensitve. When she gets in a rage she is so angry sometimes we are seriously afraid. If you try to talk to her the next day she is not totally able to recall what happened or who said what. She just knows the other person “deserved” it and she always feels she needs to teach others “a lesson”. Dealing with her is extremely difficult because she can be so angry and nasty but also can’t hold a job. When they let her go…it's everyone elses fault then she can’t figure out how to file for unemployment or even get herself motivated enough to turn in applications. If we try to help her she doesn’t want to show us the forms she needs to fill out for unemployment the paperwork that says her state benefits are shut off etc…so we can't seem to help her. She keeps it all hidden so my mom can’t “control” her but then can’t get it done on her own. Is this kind of behavior normal with LD & ADD…or do you think she suffers from something else as well (i.e.personality disorder)?
2015-02-05 10:47:54
Hello- What a difficult situation. It sounds like your family feels held hostage by your sister's mood changes and behavior. Generally people with learning disabilities do not have a erratic mood or behavior problems especially during adulthood unless there is a comorbid diagnosis of a mood disorder (depression bipolar disorder) or personality issues. Given that she is not able to recall what happens the next day and that she can become rageful and paranoid it is important that she seek psychological attention. First she needs to receive the proper diagnosis (which may include LD and ADHD but likely something else too). After correct diagnostics she can receive treatment to help regulate her mood and behavior. Best wishes
2015-02-05 10:48:30
