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.
jillyk gave this response on 4/30/2000:
I am not sure about the second part of your question however, the bipolar child can also sometimes display symptoms of AD/HD + conduct disorder,(treated by Ritalin or Dexamphetamine) this might be an added concern for you to take on, but kudos for you for taking this young lad on. There are not many people who would willingly take on such a challenge. I also think he might have an affective disorder, correct me if I am wrong it is difficult to correctly ascertain exactly the mood he exhibits. Unlike adults, there have been few controlled trials of antidepressants in adolescents (therefore it is little wonder he feels like a lab rat). This is partly due to to a lack of accepted criteria for the diagnosis of major depression in adolescence. Until more evidence is available, treatment must rely on psychotherapeutic approaches with medication prescribed on the basis of clinical judgment. e.g. a postive family history of antidepressent-responsive depression sre possible indocators for the use of medication in children. I sincerely hope they find a medication for your "son" very quickly, keep on loving and cuddling him, you are doing a great job, continue to let him into your life as well as he lets you into his. I wish you the very best. :)Jill.
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