The parents of Daniel Watt, a youth who had multiple problems, told the story of their son’s life and suicide. Tom Jackman of the Washington Post reported the story of Danny and his parents, helping explain some of the problems of addressing the needs of children with multiple diagnoses—co-morbid schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse, in Danny’s case.
Danny Watt once leapt from a moving train. He hurtled through the windshield of a rolling car. Got pummeled by drug dealers. Overdosed. Swallowed rat poison. Tried to hang himself.
In his tumultuous 21 years, Danny Watt danced with death in the most amazing, horrible ways. In the end, two college students spotted him facedown in the cold, murky water of the C&O Canal one afternoon in April 2008. The medical examiner said Danny had drowned.
Mr. Jackman explains how Danny’s parents repeatedly sought help for their son, providers focused on the substance abuse and not the Emotional and Behavioral issues, the agencies resist the long-term hospitalization that probably would have been a helpful alternative, and more. You’ll get an idea by watching the video (below the fold), but be forewarned that watching it may be a wrenching experience.
Links to Mr. Jackman’s article, “Dual Disorders Rarely Treated Properly,” and his sidebar, “Experts Challenged by Mental Illness Mixed With Addiction.”
Sphere: Related Content
there are so many rats at home and i am looking for a really good rat poison.`’