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.

shelton gave this response on 4/30/2000:

hello first off it is 100% normal for a bi polar person to hit himself the surroundings around him throw things. yell and scream out of the blue and 2 seconds later then can be silly and happy. ive seen it. for man years now i have been working with handicapped childen and adults. It could take 2 weeks to find the right med. or it could take 10 years. you really cant get a correct answer on how long it will take. there are many books that idenfy pills that you could ask your doctor asbout. change of atmospere really can help the sition. many people that have a bi polar disoder do indeed take and hit themself ,curse you out. hit you etc etc. if you need more detail ask me

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kimmiesue rated this answer a 4.

Respectfully, everything I have read says it is not 100% of all bipolars who will do this. Many live 100% normal with the illness as long as they maintain proper medication and medical care. Thank you for taking the time and replying.