Q. This past week we had my son, Mike, sixteen years old seen by a Psychologist. He concluded that he had high points on the psychopathic deviance scale typical for adolescents who are characterized as rebellious, hostile toward authority figures, and defiant. Problems in school conduct and an inability to delay gratification, being impulsive. He showed elevations on the Confident and Sociable scales which correspond to the Narcissistic and Histrionic scales which require high praise, excessive expectations of entitlement, demand favors, etc.

He has not been going to school regularly. Cannot get him up in the morning, doesn't do his work, or homework, skips classes, is disrespectful to others (especially Mom), he is adopted also, can't hold a job for more than 3 months, wants a car but won't pass his grades, be respectful and started drinking and smoking pot.

In December he got arrested with four other boys in a car because there was liquor and pot in the car. He was going to AA meetings and Drug Meetings and Anger Management meetings, going before the judge on a regular basis. The judge told him not to miss anymore school and stay away from friends who use drugs. He doesn't seem to have fear of the judge and hasn't listened.

Last week after he harassed his dad and me for the purchase of a cell phone, threw the telephone, got into the car with our keys and started it, also he was at the beach-came home smelling of alcohol.

We decided along with the probation officer to put him in treatment for two months. That is where he is now.

We need your help ---do you know anyone who works with personality disorders in the West Palm Beach, FL area? We would drive to Miami if we have to. Are there any drugs that can help Him? Also, do you know of any high school who would work with this type of student?

We have been looking into Teen programs with a structured environment with daily consequences and rewards for appropriate behavior. This is what the psychologist noted on his report would be good for him. We have looked into Teen Help-places in So. Carolina, Montana, Utah, Mexico, Lake Worth, FL, Teen Challenge. Our home has been a battleground for the past three years. Mike has demanded things, threw things, also almost broke up our marriage. Now that he is in treatment we are recovering and there is peace in the home. Please forward any suggestions you may have for us--Mike will be home in 55 days and we need a psychologist to help him or a facility that can counsel and school him. I am praying for the answers to our questions.

A. This is a common situation for more parents than you might think. I think medications are worth a try, and they may help a lot. They may also not help. The more options you give your son to improve, the better the chances are of improving his outcome. Two chances are always better than one. I do not know of any adolescent psychiatrists in West Palm, but there may be some really good ones. Call the University of Miami's psychiatric department, explain your situation to the child/adolescent psychiatric secretary, and see if they have any suggestion for referral in West Palm, or if they think you should come in for an evaluation.