None taken. I know what you're saying and you're right. She does have some codependency issues, and tendencies toward self-destructive behaviors, which is why I took her to the shrink in the first place. It seems to me, however, that her diet definitely has had almost everything to do with this. I suspect a gluten intolerance, actually, because ever since she was born, she's had a difficult time whenever she eats certain foods. Since the brief stint with the shrink, we've worked very hard to remove anything with gluten from her diet, and it's amazing how much better she is. I'm still waiting for test results for celiac disease, that I insisted my doctor take, even though he didn't think she has it at all. She might not, but without gluten in her diet, even her color is better. The emotional issues might be a separate issue, but with the combination of eliminating gluten and drinking Kombucha tea, she's improved drastically, all the way around. She sleeps way better, she's able to focus and concentrate on school work, she's interested again in spending time with friends, and over all, has been a much happier kid.

I definitely appreciate your insights and advice. No parent knows it all when it comes to their kids, though we do like to think we do. I'm currently looking for a good holistic doctor in my area for all of us because though I think there is a definite place for 'drugs' in this world and that some people really do need them, I would rather not go that route-- especially if natural treatments will do the same thing without the harmful side effects.

Thanks for commenting,
Faran