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| Raising ADHD/Bipolar Children |
| Public online group |
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So I have some questions. My daughter (6yrs. old) was diagnosed this year with ADHD and we started her on Ritalin. Her techer says she has improved alot. We even forgot her meds a few days and those very days her teache wrote to me and said that they had problems that day...she didn't know about skipping the meds... so I guess that it's working. I guess I just don't see the kind of change I was expexting. I'm happy that she's getting her work done in class, but she's very irritable and generally not happy.
I've dealt with depression since high school, I'm now 27, and it has seemed to me tat she is somewhat depressed... can't consentrate, irritable, seems distracted... So I started researching and found Early onset Bi-polar. My husband is diagnosed as Bi-polar.
Now for my questions... raedy?
1. Is Bi-Polar ginetic?
2. Who can...should diagnose it?
3. What is the treatment like... meds, therapy...
4. Do you have any tips for manging it?
I ask #4 after having my second child who is completely different. I realize now that I'm not a bad mother, I just have a very challenging child!!!
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| Posted by Amanda on 06/08/2008 04:11 PM
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| Hi Amanda, my name is Julia, I am a mother of 3 (my 9yr old) lives with my parents currently, my younger two will be 7&6 in July. Bipolar is most certainly genecic. It runs on my fathers side of the father, and even though my younger twos' father was never treated for anything (and should have been) I also have been diagnosed as bipolar(for my now 6yr old they are not ruling that out) A pschiatrist should be able to diagnose it if you feel you need to do more most definitely talk to your chid's pediatrician. I'm in the middle right now because I feel there is something else going on nuerologicly and unfortunaltely the pschyatrist they see doesn't think that's necessary, I differ w/ that. With the meds it's all trial and error, if the ritalin seems to be working they might be able to add a minimal amount of an anti-depressant along with it. None of us are bad moms escpecially the ones like us that doing everything in our power to correct the problems and are at the side of our children every step of the way. Yes it most certainley is tirering, and it takes a lot of your energy and patience(which can run thin at times!) but just remember if you have any questions go directly to the pediatrician, plus get a secon opinion. My boys are due for their yearly check up and I will be asking for a referral to a neurologist. I want an mri and a cat scan done. I also suffer from depression, and two years ago I ended up having a seizure (first one in all of my life and I am now 29yrsold) I recently just had another one. So I also want to get that checked out in my son as well. I hope all of this will give you some peace of mind as well as some good advice. If you feel like you really need to vent or just talk my email address is jullees04@aol.com. Take care, good luck, and hope to hear from you soon. Julia |
| posted by Julia on 06/08/2008 05:10 PM
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Hi Amanda!
I know several BiPolar people who have helped manage it well with diet. If you have a good homeopath/holisitic practitioner or MD in your area, I would suggest you consult with them too. I feel it's important to look at ALL opportunites for healing. My husband has progressive MS adn is still walking after over 20 years of it when everyone else we've met or heard of is in a wheelchair at this stage and he isn't on any MS drugs. Usually a combination of both tends to work the best with Bipolar. Diet and nutrition is longer to see work, but it lasts a lifetime.:) Our food are depleted of nutrients and it really adds to the imbalance. My heart goes out to you!
Kimberly |
| posted by Kimberly on 06/09/2008 08:28 AM
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Hello Amanda.
1. Bi-polar is genetic.
2. There are various degrees of Bipolar. There is no test that can be done in being diagnosed.
3. There are med such as Zoloft and others. There is always counseling.
4. Never doubt that you are doing the best that you can.
I also have two children and they are total opposites. My daughter is 11 and diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Bi-Polar. Somedays are uneventful and then there are the days that make you wonder if you're doing the right thing. But I've learned that by giving into those doubts you only undermine yourself.
Carolina |
| posted by Carolina on 06/09/2008 09:36 AM
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I too have been diagnosed with bi-polar and ADD along with my 11yr son.
My son was diagnosed when he was 9 because of the wild behavior problems at school(poking someone with a pencil..ect). Since he has been on his med, I have seen a huge change academically for the best; but unfortunately the down side of this med is he doesn't eat and has terrible stomach cramps because of it. I also have seen a huge change in his behavior from bad to worse and he is always tired..Frankly, I just wish they could come up with somthing that doesn't cause these side-effects..
I also have a 7yr old who is wild and shows the same signs as his oldest brother but I don't want to medicate him because of his brothers reactions..
As far as my bi-polar, it hasn't been easy being a sahm and having to deal with it all... |
| posted by Rebecca on 09/18/2008 12:07 AM
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Hi Amanda,
If you're interested in doing soemthing without drugs, I would suggest checking into http://www.naet.com/ You'd be surprised at how many ADD ADHD kids have allergies that they are unaware of that exacerbate the problems. Also, a GOOD blend of calcium magnesium helps attention. ADD runs in my family, so I know these BOTH help! Good luck!
Kim |
| posted by Kimberly on 09/18/2008 07:06 AM
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