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.
frisbee gave this response on 4/30/2000:
hello... there is a wonderful chat room at www.concernedcounseling.com. I think you will be able to get some real support there. Also it can unfortunatly take a long time to find the right medication.. and even more important... the right DOSE. many doctors over or under medicate at first. Believe it or not... alot of physical activity at this age is very helpful to children who show the same signs as your son. Along with medication I would suggest regular daily activity such as a Karate class.. or afterschool roller hockey... or basketball.. The chemicals in these medicines sometimes over load the system and there is a surge of energy that has no where to go.. Also temper tantrums are lessened when a child has a regular out let for that type of energy. Good luck!
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