Children?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2007
Children?
13
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 4:18pm
It's been a while since I've posted here. I am BP2 and am wondering if any of you that have BP also have children that have been diagnosed. If so at what age, and what types of symptoms did they show?
My 3 year old son is causing me concern. While we haven't had him tested for anything yet, I have brought him to the ped. who suggested "waiting it out" to see if he grows out of it. Let me just say that I have another older child who has already been through his 2's and 3's and this is COMPLETELY different. I even have other parents ask me what's wrong with him, and why does he act the way he does. While I realize some of the behavior he exhibits is typical here are some of the things that cause me concern: He has terrible mood swings, outbursts of extreme anger/violence, Sleep walking/night terrors, and is very sensitive to touch. If he has a hair on him or something sticky for example, he goes into freak out mode.
While I realize he is young and I am not about putting him on medication, I am just looking for some coping strategies to get through this, and hopefully make life better for everyone in the family.

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Avatar for tallyn75
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2003
In reply to: lost_at_c
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 4:27pm
My oldest daughter, now 8 y/o, has been diagnosed with Mood Disorder, NOS. The doctor was too scared of his own shadow IMO. Anyways, she has an appointment with a different doctor here in a couple of weeks. She had mood swings, sensitive to touch--I totally relate to her freaking out when sticky, quick temper--siblings are a big trigger for her, and bizarre/gory dreams. I think I see some symptoms in my boy, 6 y/o, but we're playing wait-n-see. I don't want to put him on medicine unless it starts interfering with his school work.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2007
In reply to: lost_at_c
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 5:13pm
I'll be curious to hear about what the 2nd dr. says.
I'm trying not to be convinced that my son has a behavior/mood disorder, but I just know it. I don't want to be one of these paranoid moms that is pushing every kind of illness on their kid, which I don't think I am, but my husband just tells me to relax, that he's only 2, almost 3, and we're not going to do anything right now even if he is dx'd with something. I don't want to push anything on him, but I also am afraid of missing out on the critical years of his upbringing where we could make a huge impact on his entire life. I think I may make an appt. Did you said your child to a pediatrician or a specialist?
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2006
In reply to: lost_at_c
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 5:16pm

Hi,

My 9yo ds is has a dx of Mood disorder NOS (pediatric pdoc doesn't want to label him BP at this age for insurance reasons). At a younger age he had horrible nightmares (outgrew them), then and now still has: very low frustration tolerance, impulsive, hyper, rages, tantrums, mood swings, laughs at inappropriate things, can be verbally abusive (at a younger age this came out as "I hate you" kind of remarks). There is a good website www.bipolarchild.com that has good information and links about childhood bipolar disorder.

Hope this helps.

Hugs,
Peg

Avatar for tallyn75
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2003
In reply to: lost_at_c
Mon, 07-02-2007 - 5:29pm

I, too, am wondering if the new doctor will change her diagnosis. She currently and soon will see a psychiatrist. Originally she saw a pediatrician and was prescribed Prozac and Concerta (for ADHD). *shakes head* That was a disaster, she even bit one of her classmates. However, a Health Care Provider might be needed to get a referal to a psychiatrist. If I had prior knowledge I would have had more of a say as to her prescriptions. I guess just keep in mind, whenever the timing is right, stimulants (ADHD meds, steroids, etc) and anti-depressants (prozac, zoloft, lexapro) can make bipolar worse. That can be a definite indicator that bipolar is indeed what you're looking at, but that method is NOT a good idea.

"The Bipolar Child" is a good read, written by Janice & Dimitri Papolos (both are M.D.s) and gives a clear picture of how child-onset bipolar looks and acts. Here is the website: http://www.bipolarchild.com/

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2006
In reply to: lost_at_c
Tue, 07-03-2007 - 8:59am

Hello, lost_at_c,


We have a board available for you to look at for bipolar children.


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv.ppchildbd


Tina

     ~ Tina ~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: lost_at_c
Tue, 07-03-2007 - 5:47pm

I'd recommend that you take your ds to another psychiatrist. It is quite possible to diagnose Early Onset at this age! It has also been shown in many studies that the sooner the medications are started, the less severe the MI becomes. Find a child psychiatrist who is well versed in EOBD.

I have three of my five children who have Bipolar and one granddaughter, too.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2006
In reply to: lost_at_c
Wed, 07-04-2007 - 4:24am

Hi, lost at c, I am also BP2. I have 2 boys, the eldest of whom was displaying all sorts

of "odd" behaviors as a pre-schooler. However,it seems that the older he gets,(he is now

6) the more he improves....At 3-4 yrs. old he used to have the extreme sensitivity to

stickiness, fabrics, etc. It was a constant battle to keep his clothes on, as everything

was "itchy" to him. I used to have to plan my shopping trips to include only certain

stores which were not too bright or busy, as he would have "meltdowns" in public from the

emotional & sensory overstimulation. Today, he is so much better! It has been a rough

road, but he has improved to point that his only major issue now is his emotional ups &

downs(it does make me wonder,too, about the genetics involved with BP)I hope that this

gives you some kind of comfort, to know that many kids do grow out of these behaviors. I

also want to stress, even though you probably already know, that you are not at fault for

your child's "different" behavior. So many people used to stare at me & make rude,

patronising comments when my son was having a rough time. Nobody ever said to me: " this

is just the way he is, it is not your fault..." Now that he has blossomed into an older

boy he is still a bit oversensitive, but he is also caring, smart, & has a vivid

imagination....I wouldn't trade him for another. So, I wish you the best of luck and that

you get the support that you need, and that these trials with your child will bring you

closer as he grows. Wonderbread77

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-19-2006
In reply to: lost_at_c
Wed, 07-04-2007 - 3:26pm
WAIT,Before you jump to any conclusions.
I have had the same problem w/ my son now for years.
It started at 3yrs and now he is 9yrs old.
Get second and third opinions.
It is very important that they don't misdiagnose,
Just because you have a problem.
Well take care and hang in there.
good luck.

Sparkleeyes..........

Live life well & Always look ahead.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: lost_at_c
Wed, 07-04-2007 - 6:06pm
I'd also recommend the Child Bipolar/Mood Disorders message board. There is a recent question just like this @ http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-ppchildnbd&msg=2693.1&ctx=0

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I am unable ot give legal or medical advice. My opinions are based on my experiences and my personal research.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-19-2005
In reply to: lost_at_c
Fri, 07-06-2007 - 4:04pm

My DS had similar behaviors at that age. He has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a neurological condition and not psychiatric.

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