Anyone familar with bipolar disorder in very young children?

Question

I have a close friend with a little girl and I am seriously concerned about this child....She is violent and aggressive....She is also extremely hyper and has no impulse control....She throws everything she can get a hold of and I have seen her hit a lady in the face hard with a toy.....

I don't think it is disciple problems, because her mother does correct her when she does that, my friend is at her wits end....I am not sure what to tell her, since we are good friends, I don't want to offend her. But I don't even want to visit her, because of her daughter's behavior....

This little girl is 2 years old and she is very advanced for her age. Also, she doesnt have any sleep issues that I know of. I am not sure if bipolar runs in her family....Any information would be helpful? thanks from a concerned friend...

Answer 1

It is VERY VERY VERY difficult to diagnose Bi-Polar Disorder in young children.

Sounds like this little girl needs some sort of counseling & medications!

ADD/ADHD, OPOSITIONAL DISORDER ETC

Answer 2

Bipolar Disorder in children is different fron adults. You may have to see 3-5 drs. & try 5-10 medications, But the longer you let it go the longer it takes to recover. Educate yourself & read all u can, even go to the local medical library. I was diagnosed at age 40, I'm 46 now & am a long way from getting to where I want. I can't work or even function like a normal person. Drs. say sometimes it takes 4-5 yrs. to diagnose & 5-10 times changing meds, that's what I did. Maybe it's nothing but what if it is. If you have the knowledge in your head, u can use your gut to know if you have the right Dr. or meds. Medication can take 2-6 wks. to work & the patient may feel "funny" but don't skip even 1 dose, unless it is one of the side effects. Good luck, hope I didn't scare u but that's my personal experience. I showed the symptoms since I was young, & thru my teens. I also have friends who have committed suicide. So just read all the scientific info u can get ur hands on, I resrarched for 3 yrs. off & on, & even took care of others not as bad as I was. That's the best way, go volunteer w/ child's bipolar people in ur area.

Answer 3

Might be terrible two's might be something more. My daughter wasn't quite that volatile. At two she had episodes like that, at three it was worse and this year it is even worse! The pediatrician said we were over anxious first time parents. The social worker at preschool school thought maybe post traumatic stress (she was adopted from China). Monday she saw a psychiatrist, who feels she has some of the signs of reactive attachment disorder and some of he signs of Bipolar disorder. Since she is a good phase now, she isn't ready to make a specific diagnosis, but has recommended counseling. The only reason we got that far with it, is that at her IEP meeting (she has mild cerebral palsy and receives physical therapy), the school social worker encouraged us to seek counseling when I mentioned her tantrums and behavior issues.

If you have concerns, keep asking for help, someone will listen! it might be just terrible two's, but it might be so much more!!

Answer 4

The TERRIBLE TWOS is what they call it.
The mom may correct it but that doesnt mean she is consistant at home.
Doesnt sound like bipolar sounds like shes seeing what she can get away with.
There is a book , dont know if it is stillaround called " raising your spirited child" MAybe you could find it and gently give it to her.
It has advice and strategiesfor deeling with kids who are...." spirited" i.e. hyper, out of control, monsterous..etc.
I read it and found parts to be just what I needed.
I also recomend it for people who think they might have a kid with ADD or ADHD.

Answer 5

There are many reasons this child could be acting this way.For what ever reason she may be acting out. She could be acting this way do to food allergies or other? There could be issues that you are totally unaware of that could cause her to act this way. Your friend should have her child evaluated by her pediatrician first and go from there. It is better to do something now before going to school. As far as yourself, we have to do what is best for our own selves sometimes. It is tough to stand by some one and take care of your own family you may have some hard decisions ahead of you. Sorry about that but that is where our growth comes from. Bi-Polar & Bi-Personality disorder with a Bi-Polar child.

Answer 6

Hi there Angela, Im not too familiar with this issue but I just wanted to tell you good luck on this one. You sound like a good friend for caring about the well being of your friend's daughter. Have a great one and love your awnsers by the way!!

Answer 7

OMG its called terrible two's. It's just a stage that all 2 years old go threw..

She doesn't have a problem. OH that's right you are probably the first to say a Ritalin or ADHD.
CUS you so s m a r t You have a edmenitaction

Answer 8

There is such a thing as early onset bipolar which is diagnosed at an early age, but two is too young. Does your friend tell her pediatrician these things? He should refer her to a specialist who does developmental testing.

Answer 9

MY SON IS BI-POLAR AND ADHD............THE RIGHT MEDICINE WORKS WONDERS. SHE NEEDS TO HAVE HER TESTED FOR CERTAIN THINGS SUCH AS SLEEP PATERN TEST........AND SEVERAL OTHER THINGS. IT DOES RUN IN OUR FAMILY AND IT HAS WENT BACK SEVERAL GENERATIONS OF MY FAMILY. ALOT OF DOCTORS WON'T TREAT CHILDREN THAT AGE FOR THAT PROBLEM........THEY LIKE TO WAIT TILL SCHOOL STARTS AND SEE HOW IT EFFECTS THEM THEN...........THEY HAVE A HARD TIME DETERMINING IF IT'S A DISORDER OR JUST BEHAVIOR ISSUES AT THAT EARLY AGE.........WENT THROUGH ALL THAT.HOPE THAT HELPED A LITTLE ANYWAY.