Bipolar in children

[Mermaid02]

This has been mentioned by my son's psychiatrist as a "possibility" and again last night by his counselor. It's a diagnosis that scares me, it's not something you "grow out of" and that makes me sad and scared for him. He is 9. He has incredible peaks and valleys.... he can be the sweetest child in the world and also off the charts angry.

Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[ducklite]

My son is bi-polar. It's a disease that can be well controlled with medication and family support. Many famous and successful people are bi-polar. Do'nt let the Dx scare you. Let me know if you ahve specific questions.

Anne

 

[CarolA]

I think you are lucky.. if it's diagnoised now you can get started on a good treatment plan. I have a cousin with a mental illness who was not properly diagnoised until he was in his late teens. We all think (including his parents) that if he had been properly treated at an early age some of the teen year issues could have been less stressful.... (People, inclulding professionals, kept telling his parents it's just rebellion... Yeah one day he turned every piece of furniture in his room into firewood...little pieces of firewood and threatened mom and little sis with a buther knife... That's not your average rebellion!)

 

[Disney Ella]

I don't have any bi-polar kids, just a MIL with it. I remember some of your past posts about the challenges your son has and the way it affects your family. As much as you love him, it must be difficult to deal with. If he is bi-polar, the medication will have a dramatic effect on his behavior and hopefully life will get easier for him and the rest of the family.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I do know that getting help early is the best thing you can do! I know parents that denied their children's illness, which is a common thing.

Kudo's to you for being brave!!!!!

 

[Evil Queen]

DS23 has it, and is on meds. They made a world of difference, I wish I had been smart enough to recognize it earlier.

He's not nearly as moddy as he use to be, thank goodness. He has held a job for a couple of years now.

At times, he's still very quick to judge situations, but that could also just be part of his normal personality.

Good luck to him and your family. It is workable. Remember, the first meds may not work and they may have to adjust or try something else.

For you all.....

 

[Robinrs]

My ex has it... God bless you for taking care of it early!

 

[smilie]

My mother is bi-polar. It took a long time to find the right med combination, but meds work wonders. When I was growing up you could actually predict the ups and downs. You know when to prepare for the downs and enjoy the ups. My SIL is also bi-polar. She has more downs then ups so it was harder with her. But she's working with her therapist and meds and she's doing wonderful! Having a loving family around to support works wonders. Good luck, it's a long road but it's worth it for the ones you love.

 

[Keggy]

My nephew, age 6, was just recently diagnosed and just started meds for it. His father is bi-polar as well - but was not diagnosed until the last few years.

I was suprised, when doing research, on how many people are bi-polar.

Kelly

 

[Evil Queen]

And it does tend to run in families, so if you have other kids, be on the lookout for signs with them. I have to watch my DS10, which sometimes is hard because he also has Asperger's and some of his behaviors make it hard to tell.

My Dad, and both sisters have it. I can't say my brother and I don't, because I do get depressed, but don't normally have "mood swings", unless it's related to PMS. My brother tends to be real laid back and always has, I've never seen him have any real "up" moments.