bipolar child?

Question

I babysit a child whose mother is bipolar, which is highly hereditary I've been told. The child exhibits a lot of behaviours that make me wonder whether he also has this disorder. For example:

- laughing uncontrollably when being disciplined (i.e. timeout, or a talking-to)

- lots of "exclusive" behaviours, i.e. "we're pals but so-and-so is stupid"

- appears deaf half of the time, which I assume is just "tuning out" due to bipolar episodes from parent at home, but it's really hard to get his attention.

Anyone with experience in this area, I'd appreciate your ideas how to work with this child? Thanks.

the mom told me about her bipolar diagnosis

Answer 1

Non of those beahaviors are symptomatic of BiPolar illness, which basically consists of extreme differences is mood, for reasons that are NOT causal or situational. The child sounds more autistic than BP, but I couldn't even begin to try and diagnose from your brief description. All you can do is continue to babysit the child to the best of your ability, and not take offense at the inappopropriate laughter or the tuning out. Just have patience and if you get rattled consider yourself to be working with a special needs kid. Which is indeed probably the case. You could also tell his mother about any beahviors you feel or noteworthy. Also, BiPolar disorder rarely--if ever--maifests itself at such a young stage. Usually the disease is diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood.

Answer 2

I have a child who has been diagnosed as early onset bi-polar. Did the mother tell you herself she is BP? If so you should be able to talk to her about this...she should be open if on meds and accepting of her diagnosis. My son has gotten better through the years (he is now 13) sometimes chemical imbalance can settle down in children. If you hear through the grapevine or through gossip she is bi-polar then be careful how you approach the conversation, do not attempt to give her your diagnosis, just discuss the bahavior and ask what she thinks options are in handling it.

Answer 3

my boyfriend of almost 3 years has bipolar disorder. i've dealt with a lot of the same issues you have listed.

the best thing to do is never feed into the negative behavior. i try to avoid things that i know will spark a fit.

have you spoken to the child's mother about his behavior? these things may not stand out to her the way they do to you. i know there are medications to treat bipolar disorders, but i am not sure about details or how and when they can be prescribed. but i think it would be best to inform her of her child's problems.

Answer 4

Wow how painful this could be. regrettably, your brother seems to be a threat on your infants. As a be certain you're able to guard your infants, although plenty it hurts to distance your self out of your brother. you're able to clarify on your dad and mom which you do no longer experience your infants are risk-free through his habit. perchance after your brother is dealt with he will have the potential to be a ingredient of your loved ones. confident, he's ill yet it is not an excuse could something extreme take place. What excuse would take transport of could he particularly harm somebody. He habit desires to be addressed now jointly as he's youthful. It could be under pressure actual touch and throwing issues is merely no longer tolerated. a lot of human beings have led effective lives with ADHD and bipolar. It in all hazard does no longer harm to have an prolonged talk with a counselor, and discover a thank you to talk on your infants approximately your brother. you do no longer choose to scare them yet on a similar time in the event that they are going to be around him they could reveal screen. it particularly is solid to discover a help team which you and your dad and mom can attend. it particularly is substantial which you realize your emotions are regular and you have a impressive to them. this would be an prolonged highway your loved ones is embarking on and there is not any common restoration. solid luck.

Answer 5

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, for FREE

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

it's a learned behavior. that's how the kid sees the parent act so the kid thinks it's normal. the only thing you can do is put your foot down and let this child know that when you are there...you will not tolerate certain behavior. easier said than done, i know!

Answer 7

find out what school he goes to and tell his counsilor.. or confront mom

Answer 8

IM THAT WAY TOO GET HELP FAST