Children with Bipolar Disorder Posted: 05-18-08 22:34pm
My 9-year-old has been displaying the
early signs of bipolar disorder for years
now. I have bipolar disorder & there's
other mental illnesses like depression and
alcoholism on my side & my husband's
side of the family... our poor kids!
Anyway, our son has been diagnosed with
everything from general behavior disorders
to ADHD to other stuff I can't remember.
I've known in my heart all along the
culprit would end up being bipolar
disorder, like me, because he's just like
I was at that age--it's just that he has a
parent that recognizes that something's
not right. (My parents thought I was just
obnoxious, defiant, and apathetic.)
We've finally switched to one of the best
pediatric psychiatrists in our state who
shares the same concerns I have. He hasn't
yet made a diagnosis, but he's having us
read "The Bipolar Child." There's also the
possibility of OCD and other things, but
bipolar would explain a combination of
things.
Also, the meds his last doctor kept him on
have given him facial tics (Focalin). She
refused to accept any diagnosis other than
ADHD, but the meds (none of them) ever
worked!
Can any of you relate? Did your kid(s)
inherit your BPD? Or, do you have a child
with it & you don't where it came
from? I'd like some advice from any of you
who have experience with bipolar children.
I never know how to discipline. One day a
method may work & the next day, it
won't. I feel like I'm kinda just walking
blind at this stage.
I'd appreciate any insight, advice, or
even just encouragement. Thank you.
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antigone
Moderator
Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 795 Location: IL
Thanks: 33
Thanked:12
Posted: 05-18-08 23:43pm
I have 2 out of 4 sons with bipolar
disorder. My family and my husband's
family both have bipolar disorder. Yes, my
poor kids, too. I told my husband we are a
genetic nightmare! Who knew? We never ever
dreamt our kids would have these issues.
The Bipolar Child is the bible of child
bipolar disorder. I refer to it all the
time. The first time I read it I laughed
and cried. Dr. Papolos must have been
peeking in the windows of my house and
watching my son. He describes my 10 yr.
old to a tee. I knew there was something
wrong when he was only 3. It took about 3
years for me to finally figure out what
was wrong. The psychiatrist asked me what
I thought was wrong and I told her bipolar
disorder and she said she agreed. She was
glad to have a parent that was accepting
of the diagnosis. Most parents want to
deny the fact and it only prolongs
treatment options.
Discipline is difficult. I feel like I
must be the worst parent on the planet. I
try to be consistent but his moods are not
consistent. He is a rapid cycler and has
mixed states at times. This makes him very
emotionally labile. Crying one minute and
an hour later giddy and hyper and
laughing. I use time out a lot. When he
rages I put him in his room. My youngest
son seems less severe. He presents
differently. He is not as defiant. My
older son has become more defiant as he
has gotten older.
I could write you a novel. Feel free to pm
me with any questions or just to sound
off. We can swap war stories. I feel your
pain and know what you are going through.
I will be glad to offer you any
suggestions. Let me know how I can help.
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