Hi PrayingMom,
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

All I know is that children are more likely to have suicidal/self harm thoughts and actions (attempting or committing)so just watch her closely for changes in behavior that might point to that. (withdrawing, cutting on herself, increased irritability, threats of self harm - even during an argument, if she doesn't usually say things like that - or even if she does)

I'm sorry you and she are having this struggle, but this is a good site because it seems the more we learn about this illness, the more manageable it can be.
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 meant to say, children are more likely when taking antidepressants...

Thank you for all your info. She is seeing a psychiatrist, though not a pediatric one as the only one in our area was not recommended. She also sees a counselor. I am concerned about the anit-depressant/mood stabilizer mix, however she was feeling very suicidal this winter and I was so scared for her that the Dr. put her on the Celexa. She has improved with it. I called the Dr. about taking her off and he said "not yet". She sees him soon so we will discuss it.
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".

I'm not sure about treatment for children, but I know it is common to treat adults with both a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant. Her self-harm thoughts and behavior are displays of depression, and the flirting could be from mania. I'm not sure if self harm can also be a display of mania, but I think it is more expressed in risky behavior. Ask your Dr. about that.
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!!!

Perhaps a second stabalizer might be in order if you're concerned about the effects of the antidepressant. I haven't seen it with my clients but the studies are all saying that kids and anti-depressants aren't mixing so well. Plus the risk of the anti-depressant causing a manic upswing is always a concern. I'd also agree with JG -- It's tough to even think of treating the ADHD until the bipolar is fully stable. It's just too risky to tip someone into mania.

I'm 17 and have been BP medicated and unmedicated for many years. Her behavior- especially that of her interaction with boys- seems to be a regular symptom of mania for me and some others that I know of. I also know form experience that anti-depressants are not always helpful- they counteracted my depression but put me into a persistant manic state. But the best thing is to work closely with your DR's observe your daughter an dlearn her cycles. Also if she has her period she may have more frequent changes at that time of month.

If her anti-dep. was going to cause a manic upswing, would it have by now? Or could it still? She started it mid January.
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.

thats really great to have communication... my pdoc doesn't have the time to give me much of the info i should have so I apreciate very much him and my therapist getting together about me so my therapist can spend the time needed with me talking about those important things... shes the only one who helps me read my blood draw results.. my pdoc is always late so sessions cut short!!

JG, I am curious about the blood draw you mentioned. My daughters pDoc never has done one. A couple of weeks ago her regular physician decided to do a test to see how she is handling all the meds she takes. So then we got a call back and the Dr. is concerned about her the bloodwork and harm to her liver. She goes tomorrow at 7 am for a sonagram and another blood draw.
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!

my main concern in my blood draws is my lithium levels and my thyroid.. they look at other stuff but it doesn't make sense to me so I just have my shrink read it and tell me if theres something to worry about.. I hope your daughters apointments go well tomorow

Hi, having bipolar II and Add can be quite hard to get the right meds. What is good for the add isn't right for the bipolar. I have ocd,add,bipolar,si and fight or flight anxiety all the time. I'm also usually very suicidal......I'm on a cocktail of meds but really they aren't keeping me balance.......we are always looking for new things for me.....also I believe the add and all the other disorders make it really hard for therapy to help me. My brain is so over loaded.....never stops....I can't keep anything inside my head. So, I keep fighting every day of my life....for my family. But, there has to be more they can do for me.....this isn't living....I'm only existing. Sending hugs your way take care Zoey