Bi-polar in Adults and Children

Question

I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar in 2005 and also had a child in 2005. My son is now 8 years old and acts like I did around his age. He says and acts in violent ways. He has not done anything to extreme thankfully. Acting out, nasty tantrums, saying hurtful things to people, tries sexual things with his sister (age 1) fully clothed, lying all the time, extreme attention seeking, beyond being jealous of his sister, poor attention span, there is no such thing as listening to someone (per my son) and any form of a consequence does not work, he does it all again. He was given an assessment where his teacher filled out a questionnaire and his parents filled out a questionnaire as well. The diagnosis was borderline ADHD. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 15, was given Ritalin, and my behaviors became so much worse, wrong diagnosis. In 2005 was diagnosed with Bi-Polar.

They have tried Celexa, Risperdal, Quafanicine (unsure of spelling) and they work for a very short time and his behavior gets worse then it was before. He said in school on the 18th, he wanted to shoot all the kids in his second grade class, after he pushed a girl when she was mean to him. Around the same time frame right, before school, he said he wished he was never born. He has also told me recently all the friends he had were no longer his friends.

I am getting so fed up with his behavior and I am not sure what to do. I am afraid he might do something to another person or to himself. He is only 8, not a teenager, which seem to have this go on with them. Any suggestions?

This discussion is related to Punishments that work!!.

Sandman2 · Answer

Its probably also worth checking out Sensory Processing Disorder since it is so often mistaken for ADHD (and sometimes Bipolar due to the outbursts).  It is treated very differently (usually no meds).   This is a good site - 
       http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html

Sandman2 · Answer

Here is a link to a post that does a pretty good job of explaining the differences.  Sorry I didn't get back to you any sooner, but the post was about 3 years ago and took me awhile to find.  Look for the Oct 10, 2010 post
      http://www.medhelp.org/posts/ADD---ADHD/nightares-and-adhd-/show/1341324#post_6131310
       Am surprised that Risperdal is indicated for ADHD.  I can find nothing online that would agree with that.  However, it certainly would work for anxiety which is a common disorder of ADHD.  And I do read that it makes some of the other meds more effective.  But, I still think it is being used mainly to treat the bipolar problem.

StephanieHalverson · Answer

I have looked through the paperwork I have been given by the pharmacy on all of his medications and Risperdal/Risperdone is actually used for ADHD. I never said anything about Ritalin I was prescriped had anything to do with him. I was just stating that I was misdiagnosed with ADHD when I was younger and taking that medication pretty much showed that.

He has been seeing a Psychitrist for about 3 years, who has over 20 years experience in the subject. Plus, she makes sure she is updated in all information about all mental health disorders before she assesses people or prescribes them medication.

Thank you for all the places I can go to look up things on ADHD and Bi-polar. I have done quite a bit of research in the past, but I will look at the information you sent me.

StephanieHalverson · Answer

I completely understand your concern about taking him into a mental health hospital right away. The situation is, when there are medication changes, which there have been, there will also be behavioral changes. Some of these behavioral changes are to the extreme, but that does not mean every person is going to do what they have said. These comments were made a week to a month ago and nothing has transpired.

The majority of mental health disorders follow in families, they are hereditary. I was asking for help in regards to myself. We have talked to him about his behaviors and what could happen to him if he does not try to change them. I know he will not be able to change all of his behaviors that is just how Bi-polar is. Medication only helps not prevents.

Sandman2 · Answer

This is another good link on ADHD with a better list of symptoms.
  http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

Sandman2 · Answer

Well, Celexia is an antidepressant and is usually used for depression.  Risperdal, of course, is an anti-psychotic used for Bipolar.  Guanfacine has multilple uses with anxiety and ADHD being the main ones.  However, it "May not help attention (ADHD) as much as stimulants."  It seems like he is mainly being treated for Bipolar and not ADHD.   Oh, and the fact that Ritalin did not help you really has very little to do with him.
   It is not unusual at all for kids with ADHD to become very frustrated, depressed, and to strike out.  Especially, if it is undiagnosed and they are being treated like normal kids.   
   Who is prescribing the meds?  Is it a pediatrician or a psychiatrist ?  Because if it is a pediatrician, he may be out of his area of expertise in this case.
   While it is possible to have both conditions, bipolar and ADHD, the odds would favor ADHD.  But it certainly would be helpful to know which one.  If you haven't done so read up more on ADHD - this link might be helpful. 
           http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what/WWK1

   I really don't know much about working with Bipolar.  I can help a lot with ADHD.  If it does seem more like ADHD or if you wish more info on ADHD, please post back here or over here - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/ADD---ADHD/show/175         where I am also the CL.   Best wishes.

MarkLakewood3367 · Answer

If you feel that your son may be a danger to himself or to others, you need to take him immediately to the ER of a hospital.  He needs to be evaluated inpatient by a psychiatrist to prevent him from harming himself or others.  Should he be admitted, he should based on the info you provided, the psychiatrist would be able to sort out what is going on with him.  Experts do believe that bipolar runs in the family and that there are genetic links.  Please do not wait before seeking treatment.  Even at 8, your son can harm himself or others.