Need advice for my 12 yr old/bipolar??
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| Tue, 03-01-2005 - 10:00am |
Hi all I'm new to this board and am seeking some insight into possible symptoms of Bipolar in children. My DS is 12 yrs old and has been diagnosed ADHD most of his life and a couple of years ago with the possiblity of Bipolar. I am ADD and am pretty sure his father is too. My father in law is Bipolar. What has brought up the Bipolar again is the fact that once again his meds for ADHD are not working. We have taken him off meds and his behavior is scaring/worrying me. He threaten to hurt himself and others and the anger is shocking for lack of a better word. We went through this a couple of years ago and hospitalized him for a week. I don't want to have to do this again.
How do you pick a DR. that knows how to deal with children with Bipolar? How do you tell the difference in this and other disorders? Just any advice and help would be appreciated.
thank you
robin

Hi Robin. My heart goes out to you, what a tough time to have your child go through!
It can be very difficult to distinguish between bipolar disorder and some of the other disorders out there. The best possible thing to do is get your child to a pediatric psychiatrist. Within the field of psychiatry there are docs that either have a good deal of experience with or specialize in different areas, and mood disorders is one of those areas. You can call a referral line (if you have a Children's Hospital in your area, that would be a good place to call), and ask questions about the doctors. In that way you might well find one or more who specialize in pediatric mood disorders. But, any pediatric psychiatrist should be able to help you. I'm sure you are taking his threats of violence seriously. Serious mental illness is often especially difficult for kids to cope with, because they don't have any insight, and self-control is even harder at that age. Hopefully hospitalization won't be necessary, but if it's needed to keen your son safe while he begins appropriate treatment, then it's the best choice. But the place to start is with a pediatric psych.
Best of luck, and hugs,
Kristen
Hi Kristen,
Thank you for responding. I am currently trying to find a pedatric psychiatris, and boy it's not easy. Also I am going to get him back into therapy. Even though he doesn't wany to at all. But I think it may be best for him and I both.
Thanks again,
Robin