Does anyone here have a bipolar child?

[LorlovesStitch]

My lovely 7 year old DD Ashlyn has been diagnosed as Bipolar We have been having issues with her for quite a while, the most recent has been lack of sleep. Thank God we have a wonderful psychiatrist who has been so helpful. She has known our family for 2 years because of treating my other DD and think that helped her make the diagnosis quicker than if we were just starting to see her. She has seen the change in Ashlyn. We just finished a trial of Depakote which was useless. Today we will start Seroquel.We have to wean her on it, so I'm trying to be patient. I just was looking for another parent on this board who knows what this is like.

Right now I am feeling like my kids got the short end of the genetics stick! My kids were born as triplets---my son was stillborn, my other DD Kaylee has PDD and SI problems and now Ashlyn is bipolar! They were preemie and I guess my DH and I wonder if that is part of the issue?

So, just reaching out to see if anyone has a bipolar kid!

 

[polineedyan]

From what Ive read, bipolar disorder is a physical (chemical) issue. This is probably more genetic than anything. I kinda come and go with the kids and medication issue. My best advice is to tell your psych the truth, and try the meds and see what happens. If you like the results, then I guess theres no harm in it. Most bipolars are diagnosed as adults, after so much damage is done. So, a young diagnosis may be a good thing. Second opinions are always good..I used to really be against kids on medication. However, my nephew is like a new man now that he's being treated for his add. I mean, he's like a different person (for the good..) There is so much growing that happens for young kids, that I would think its better to try to get to the bottom of it now, rather than wait until later, when they've had grade issues, self esteem issues, etc waiting for us to try to figure out if they have a problem..

 

[mistymouse5001]

I would check up on that if I were you. I don't think that would be appropriate medication for a bipolar 7 year old. (I know someone who takes it for voices) she sleeps for days.
I know a good bit about being a bipolar kid as I was one, if you have any questions pm me I would love to chat it up about your dear sweet daughter.
Its a hard time but hugs will help!
http://www.seroquel.com/cbip/on/index.aspx?source=302

 

[Forevryoung]

Try the seroquel, it's worked for some (I was on it for a bit...). Actually took 1/2 of the smallest dose (so you can imagine me cutting those tiny circles in half!)

I wish I was diagnosed at 7... signs were there. Now, I'm not sure if I would still have such a diagnosis as I once did. Honestly! I have been pretty stable for 2 years or so, completed a masters degree in the meantime. I love my life and I imagine life would be boring if I wasn't me!

If my diagnosis was right, I can truly say that with the love and support of those around me (family and close friends), having a mental illness hasn't stopped me from reaching my full potential and being a successful, happy woman. And I believe with all my heart, that it has made me a wiser, stronger, better person in the end.

I wish your daughter says the same in 16 years when she's my age. PM me if you need to vent/discuss. I've been on 18+ different psych meds over the years so there is a lot of experience there

The road isn't easy but I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Mommy2three]

i have a 6 year old son and an 8 year old daughter, both have bipolar. my 6 year old son has been diagnosed with adhd, bipolar, paranoia disorder, auditory processing disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression. my 8 yo dd is bipolar, schizophrenic, adhd, oppositional defiant disorder, and has multiple personality disorder aka dissociative identity disorder. she has 5 personalities, josh, courtney, lisa, blank, and confused. she has no recollection of anything that happened during the episodes where her personality switches over.

my son was on seroquel for a while. i didnt find that it worked for him. but then again much hasnt worked so far for him. right now he is on abilify 2.5 mg to help stabilize his moods, but i honestly havent seen any difference. he was in a day treatment program, but i pulled him out of that this week. he was in there for about 6 months and his behavior was just getting worse and worse, no signs of improvements. just the other day he pulled a huge knife out on me and told me he was going to kill me.

it has really been a journey with the both of them. i also have a 2 year old dd. Let me also add that the 6 and 8 year old I adopted. Biologically are dads, but i was step mom for a while and then we terminated moms parental rights and i adopted the both of them. birth mom has alot of psychological problems including bipolar and schizophrenia and was institutionalized a few times.

you just have to keep up with a strict daily routine. i have learned that any change little or big in their daily routine really sets everything off for the both of them.

If you would like to chat with me feel free to pm me, just know that you are not alone in this journey.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Sorry; I was off the boards for a few weeks; it's been really busy here; anyway, yes, we have a DD (8) w/ Bipolar; also many other DX's. Also a preemie; but Psych said we just "won" a genetic lottery; He also said that it's very prevalent in the Irish population (which both DH and I are). Anyway, DD did have some sucess on Trilyptal (450mg bid now); at least she started to attach to us; and we just upped her Abilify to 15mg. (10 at night 5 in morning) So now she's not trying to throw herself out of the car (while moving) anymore; also less "imaginary friends) and we don't have to hide the knives quite so well... So this is a pretty good week I'm happy to talk to ya anytime; DD also has ASD, RAD, SID, severe ADHD and Dyspraxia and DS(also preemie) has a congenital brain malformation and developmental delay. Believe me, I know how you feel.

Nicole