kimmiesue asked this question on 4/30/2000:
My step-son was adopted by me about a year ago when his Mother finally abandoned him altogether. He is 13 and was well set in his ways and personality. His moods would swing from angelic to nearly satanic. After many month's we were told that he has a form of manic depressive illness known as Bipolar Disorder.
We currently have him on Lithium. Prior to that it was Depakote and before that Wellbutrin. The kid feels like a lab rat and can hardly function. I am well aware that BP disorder is hard to diagnose in young children under 15 because of so many "like" illnesses. In my stepson's (now son) case, I have studied enough to know he indeed has every symptom of the disorder. I know he is also hurting and angry too over the loss of his Mother from his life.
My question is this....how long does it take to find the right medication. Side affects have been terrible on him. Sleepiness, sleelessness, hyper, lethargic, moody, energetic, worn out, happy in a false way, and now he is getting violent and distructive. What next? A friend of mine has a child with the same thing but we lost touch. She used to go to an AOL chatroom for parents of kids with this. Does anyone know how I can find out if it still exists?
All answers, help, etc GREATLY appreciated.
ema101781 gave this response on 5/3/2000:
I'm only 18 years old and I have the disorder myself and it took a while to get the medication right. I take two medications; Depakote, and Wellbutrin for my illness and both are supposed to keep your moods straight. Especially since he's a child it's going to take some time because it's a disease that for such a long time psychologists believed that it was just a disorder that adults had. But they are now finding out that children are getting it. In the meantime take your child to therapy and they will eventually get the medication straight. Just be patient and everything will work out.
The average rating for this answer is 5.
kimmiesue rated this answer a 5.
Thank you for your openess about having the disorder. That is a big step you took! He has been in residential 2 times and kicked out. We keep trying. Thank you.