Discilpline for my Bipolar child

[Atheyla]

My 12 year old son is Bipolar and we are having difficulty with his behavior.  He has repeatedly lied to us, stolen money, been caught smoking, etc.  We are not able to let him visit with friends due to repeatedly breaking our trust. Nothing that we have tried is working. How do we get throught to this child?  He seems to be in denial that anything is wrong and does not take responsibility for his actions.  Caffine, energy drinks, and the smoking all negatively effect his mood swings, yet he gets a hold of these items any chance he can. Stolen money has been used to purchace these items. The only way we can keep him away from these things is by keeping him home 24/7. I'd like him to be able to spend time with friends like other children his age. Do you have any helpful suggestions?

[Atheyla]

He sees a psychologist every 2 weeks and a psychiatrist once a month. The therapist seems to be making some headway into getting my son to recognize the results of his behavior. My son's ability to reason/ or reason logically seems to be impaired. Is this a manifestation of the Bipolar or a behavior issue to force his own way? He flips back and forth quickly between aggression and compliance.  It appears to me he switches when one approach isn't working he tries the other. When that doesn't work he switches again. I stay firm, but calm so he cannot manipulate the situation.  It is exhausting. Will medication eventually level him out?

[ILADVOCATE]

It would be best if he see a child psychologist. Family therapy is good as well. And cognitive behavioral therapy can address specific issues. Things are out of control although its not your fault but they could give you the best advice and offer specific coping solutions for him that would encourage him to stop this behavior to begin with.