Welcome to our family Red!
I saw your reply to my post and I want to tell you that when my son was 18 I was in your exact same shoes with the exception of the pregnant girlfriend. My son was ANGRY ANGRY ANGRY all the time. He self medicated, he is a drug addict. Oh could I tell you stories of things that he has done and said that would scare you but I wont, it doesnt matter. Getting him help is what matters. With my son it was Bipolar and Anxiety, the anxiety being the main componant, he couldnt stand the feeling of being on edge all the time. after years of trouble at school at home with the law and drugs, he was finally able to recognize that he wanted help. He was diagnosis with BiPolar and Anxiety prescribed Depakote, Seroquel and Effexor and also takes Suboxone for his opiate addiction. He is stable, He is immature for 21 but I believe the drugs stunted his emotional growth, but he is getting there. He does not have outbursts and say the angry things like he used to, occasionally when he gets mad unfortunatly he gets real mad there is no gray area he just explodes but it doesnt last.
If you could maybe speak with the girlfriend maybe she could help in convincing him to see someone about the way he feels. He has ALOT on his plate right now, He is very very lucky to have you helping him and he needs to realize that.
I think its a good idea that you told him he needs to take responsibility for his actions and if he wants you to continue to support him and make his life easier then he needs to step up and get some help. Adhd could still be a factor here, anxiety even the cerebral palsy.
It is very very hard to talk to an 18year old, try to talk to him when he is NOT in a rage
Good Luck
Grace
