Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Hi, my daughter is 15 and was diagnosed with Cyclothymic Disorder (Bipolar 2) and ADD at age 13.
We adopted her at birth and I only have medical history from her bio moms side of the family. Her bio mom has the same diagnosis and actually was hospitalized for 13 months as a teen. Ther are many other bio family members with phsye problems.
I had alwasy hope my daughter would escape thsi as she was raised differently (I was ignorant on mental health issues). As my daughter ages, I see her struggle more and more with symptoms of this and we struggle as her parents in dealing with her and the problems that arise.
She is on medicati0n (Lamictal and Concerta and more recently due to suicidal thoughts, Celexa).
I am looking for advice, encouragement as we travel down this rocky road with her.... thanks.
We adopted her at birth and I only have medical history from her bio moms side of the family. Her bio mom has the same diagnosis and actually was hospitalized for 13 months as a teen. Ther are many other bio family members with phsye problems.
I had alwasy hope my daughter would escape thsi as she was raised differently (I was ignorant on mental health issues). As my daughter ages, I see her struggle more and more with symptoms of this and we struggle as her parents in dealing with her and the problems that arise.
She is on medicati0n (Lamictal and Concerta and more recently due to suicidal thoughts, Celexa).
I am looking for advice, encouragement as we travel down this rocky road with her.... thanks.
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I don't know how much research you've done but www.bpkids.org is a great site and I highly recommend "The Bipolar Child" by Demitri Popolus (sp?) Excellent resources. Also, if you're in need of information for school (special education) check out www.wrightslaw.com.
It is a struggle for sure. Have you seen the recent research (there is a thread on here -- should be on the 1st page) about not using antidepressants with bipolar. Just somethng to think about. And is she seeing a child psychiatrist? I only ask that because although she's 15 now, she was only 13 when dx and pediatric bipolar has a different presentation than adult bipolar. Hope those sites help. Let me know if you need more info.
Oh yea, lol, my 20 year old son was dx at 7, but was symptomatic since about 2. Almost forgot to tell you that one. lol
In my personal experience, it has not worked out to treat my ADHD because it interferes with my bipolar treatment which for me is more important to treat.
I was pretty stable on my Lithium, Lamictal and Seroquel until we tried focalin and then concerta which threw me into a manic swing and my doc decided it is not a good idea for me to try any other ADHD meds at this time. I have spent the past few months working on stabolizing again and I am finally starting to feel good about that and the progress I have made. I would like to think about my ADHD issues now, but am looking more into Omega3 and diet and nutritional treatment. I have heard success stories of this. I'm crossing my fingers I will find something, but honestly, the more I manage my BP, the lesser my problems with ADHD... so I think it has been best for me to focus on whats important first and then I will know better what may be next without so much havoc.
Bipolar is very hard to get a handle over but with the proper meds, which varies to each person, and good therapy helps me a lot, and a lot of patience is manageable. The fight is worth the reward. For your daughter and for yourself. Learning and understanding will help you immensely with her. My best wishes to you, I hope your daughter can find her way to feel better. My mom had recieved great help and support in learning to deal with me as a teenager through a local support group through NAMI. She suggests it to all parents of children with mental illness.
My best to you....
I am SOOOO thankful for the various website leads and the book info.
Daughter has made remarks about harming herself and about harming others. That is a huge concern. She also exhibits an obsessive need for attention from boys and is very flirtatious. Something we deal with constantly. In part she knows what she is doing, yet she is still naive enough to not realize how dangersous this behavior can be for her if she were to push the wrong boys "buttons".
The mood stabilizer makes the episodes of mania and/or depression less frequent, but does not stop them altogether. She does need some instruction somehow of how dangerous her flirting can be, and how to keep proper boundaries. Not easy, even when they aren't BP!!!
She started teh Concerta and Lamictal at the same time two years ago. I don't see a problem with the mixture, for her. She only takes Concerta on school days, not weekends or in the summer.
I just downloaded a Mood Chart for her and with her help will be tracking moods. It has a place to indicate when she is on her period also.
Frankly when she got diagnosed, I was in denial. I focused more on the ADD and not the Cyclothymic. I see now where that was a mistake.
This past winter really opened my eyes to the Cyclothymic and to the fact that we needed some support.
I really have been alone in all of this as far as trying to get educated. Her Dr. (psych.) only prescribes meds for her. He has never given us any information or rescources to look into.
She has been in counsling since late Jan. and loves her counselor. The counselor just mentioned that she would like to talk to my daughter's PSYH.Dr. with ehr concerns. I am VERY glad for that as he spends so little time with my daughter and I feel doesn't understand what all we are dealing with.
Then late afternoon an appointment with her thryoid Dr. (she has Hashimoto's Disease) then at 6 pm she meets with her counselor. In between all of that I work!