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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My son, now 13 years old, was diagnosed at 1 to be predisposed to ODD. He progressively got worse as the years went by. I would call them 'rage attacks' but the medical community wouldn't accept that. They said he was just acting out. He talked about killing himself often, even at 3, and tried to at 5, as well as myself. The therapists got nowhere with him. I myself am bipolar2 and have been diagnonsed for 8 years now, so I can look on this and see much of the symptoms of it. Unfortunately for both him and me, we didn't know prior.
Because he had continued to get worse and it was to the point of me restraining him for hours for both our safety that I finally got him admitted into the psych ward when he was 6. He was actually in twice. The second time I wouldn't leave until they told me what was wrong with my son. Diagnosis: ADHD/OCD/ODD/Anxiety disorders.
He has been on medications since then. He started with just dexedrine but is now at 30mgs in two doses a day and it doesn't help.He is also on riperadol, luvox, and 50 mgs of serequel at night to help him sleep, though it doesn't.
We have a psychiatrist who has been with us for years to do the medications and such but how do I go about asking him to rediagnose my son? Will he need to be hospitalized? He is bigger than I am now and much stronger. I just have a really big feeling that these symptoms from the other disorders are actually masks for the bipolar and we can't see it because of the meds he's on.
Any suggestions??
Thanks!
Because he had continued to get worse and it was to the point of me restraining him for hours for both our safety that I finally got him admitted into the psych ward when he was 6. He was actually in twice. The second time I wouldn't leave until they told me what was wrong with my son. Diagnosis: ADHD/OCD/ODD/Anxiety disorders.
He has been on medications since then. He started with just dexedrine but is now at 30mgs in two doses a day and it doesn't help.He is also on riperadol, luvox, and 50 mgs of serequel at night to help him sleep, though it doesn't.
We have a psychiatrist who has been with us for years to do the medications and such but how do I go about asking him to rediagnose my son? Will he need to be hospitalized? He is bigger than I am now and much stronger. I just have a really big feeling that these symptoms from the other disorders are actually masks for the bipolar and we can't see it because of the meds he's on.
Any suggestions??
Thanks!
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You should definitely request that the doc reevaluate her for bipolar disorder. My daughter was recently dx'd with bipolar after being misdiagnosed over and over again with the initial dx being ADHD when she was 7, she is now 12. Additionally, if they treat him for ADHD and/or depression when he is actually bipolar it can make his symptoms worse. For example, my daughter was initially dx'd with major depression and put on Lexapro (antidepressent) and Seroquel (for insomnia) this seemed to work well for a while but later they took her off of the Seroquel because she gained 80 lbs. and her cholesterol was over 230 in a matter of 4 months. They prescribed Trazadon for the insomnia which is also an anti-depressent. The thing is the Seroquel is a mood stabilizer and in some cases if you treat someone that is bipolar with antidepressents and don't also incorporate a mood stabilizer it can make their bipolar symptoms worse. In my daughter's case she went into ultra rapid cycling, she would cycle between giddiness, rage and sobbing depression within an hour. The story and our experiences with the different meds goes on forever . . .
I am learning a little more each day and the recurring theme that I come across is that Child/Adolescent bipolar is different than adult bipolar and is often misdiagnosed. One of my DS friends recommended two websites that have been very helpful bpkids.org and bipolarchild.com
http://www.healthyplace.com//communities/Bipolar/mood_chart_blank.pdf
Thanks again!!!!
Personally I would seek out a doctor whos sole purpose is diagnosis. you can often get a referal from your own doctor. I do this for 2 reasons. At first it was to appess my sons father. He didnt believe there was anything wrong with his son. SO I went to a doctor that had no agenda nor tried to 'fix' the problem with meds or talk therapy... they dont see problems based on thier own veiws of things... its a more scientic way to approach diagnosis. Now I go because there is just that... no agenda. They do usually write up a full history. They go into detail the tests that proved significant and why and then write recomendations for the types of treatment and or modifications that maybe useful to your child in school and at home. They will refer back to the psyciatrist if need be and they think they dx warrents medication. Most psyciatrist know this and so they usually dont have a problem refering. Pdocs spend so little time usually that its hard for them to get a good picture of their client. Plus a second oppinion gives thier treatment validaty and thats always a plus for them.
If you would like more info on this type of doctor let me know. They arent the easiest to find there are only 2 in the metroploitian part of Phx arizona if that tells you anything. They are highly specialized and usually very on the money when it comes to dx. and just remember that your childs dx may even change a lot when he hits young adult hood and then again in later life... so there is never any harm in looking to reevaluate.. in fact NOT to reevaluate is neglect in my book... you can either end up medicating for somthing that is no longer an issue or you could miss a dx that is vital to the stability of your self if your the patient or your child.
I wish you luck and its good to see a parent so willing to advocate for thier child. If you want some one to talk to about your son that understands as I have been there both my self and with my child feel free to message me ;p
((((hugs))))
However, some people have rage because they were born and didn't ask to be (honestly).
You son is entering the hormonal years and it will take more frequent checkups and medication adjustments until his testosterone is level.
But doesn't sound like any medication really worked well.
Hang in there!!!
This may be premature to suggest, but in the state where I live there is something called PINS (Persons in Need of Services). this works for minors who get into trouble. It might help you to go to court and apply for this status for your son. That way if he ever does get into trouble and you aren't around, you are protected and they can take him straight to the psych ward instead of jail. I'm not saying he will end up there, but you need to protect him and yourself in case he is say "oppositional" at the wrong place and the wrong time.