Raging one year old with family history of bipolar disorder

[Jessica1986]

My daughter is a year almost two years old and for the past 6 months or so she has been having fits of rage that sometimes last up to an hour.  The last time this happened was yesterday because I was trying to have her drink out of a sippy cup instead of a bottle which is usually not a problem at all.  She began shrieking at the top of her lungs and didn't stop until the end of the "tantrum".  I put her in time out when she wouldn't stop throwing things at her sister and me.  She seemed like she was scrambling for anything she could pick up to throw, whether it was a toy, my shoes, or a glass of water on the coffee table.  When I took something from her before she could throw it she would slam herself onto the floor and scream before looking for something else to throw.  After I put her in time out she started slamming her head against the wall.  I tried to hold her and talk to her at which point she started biting her hands and when I held her hands down by her sides she attempted to bite me.  By now her throat sounded very hoarse from all the screaming, and she kept saying "Nooo, nooo, nooo".  Then all of a sudden she just stood there leaning on a chair and was totally quiet except for some heavy breathing.  A few minutes later she wimpered a little and said "mommy" and held out her hands for me so I picked her up and held her for a little while until she was ready to go back to playing.  In contrast to the seizures, she's normally a very sweet little girl, always smiling but not the most social child.  She is very clingy to me, can't even stand it when I don't take her into the bathroom with me.  She's never been less than absolutely loving towards me except when she's in the middle of a fit.  I'm wondering if this is a sign of some kind of psychiatric disorder (her father is bipolar) or maybe some form of a seizure.  It seems to freak her out as well as her sister and me.

[bellem04]

Sounds like my 2 year old exactly.  My dad who has bipolar swears she does too.  But, I think it is just tantrums.  I hope that is all.

[Jessica1986]

Well, I appreciate the responses.  I will definitely bring it up at her next doctor's appointment, better to stay on the safe side I think.  And to Jennifer, you are absolutely right and fyi I'm not the kind of mom that is afraid to hurt her child's feelings, I know that sometimes you have to be very firm.  However, in this case it's almost as if she's completely unaware of me no matter what I do.

[Jennifer375]

As the parent of two children myself,,, this doesnt sound like a 'disorder' but rather of a temper tantrum. I doubt anything is psycholocially wrong with your little girl that a firm heart can not reign in. Try saying no and meaning it without fear your going to hurt her feelings,,, you are her parent and want to love and protect her. There is nothing wrong with being that and she will love you more because you care enough to raise her knowing right from wrong behavior. Its wrong to throw things at mommy,,, and you need to be okay with teaching her this..... there is NOTHING wrong with that.

*with love and respect*

[Venora Moonwind]

WEll seizure is an apt description. I would take her to a child psychologist and go from there. she probably need to be evaluated.I wish you the best. Keep me posted on the prognosis.
love Venora

[Jessica1986]

I said "in contrast to the seizures" but I meant to say "tantrums"...