How do you know whether to medicate your child with bipolar?

Question

My son is 8 yrs old. I have always known that he has attention and behavioral problems. Lately it has been constant. We have TSS and MT and BSC for him, but is that enough? His father and I are at odds over this. I feel medication may help as we have exhausted all other options known to us. Any suggestions will help

Answer 1

amen CMWAR!!! And the best way to know whether or not to medicate is this: Is his bipolar having a significant impact on his daily living? If no, then hold off and observe. If yes then look into it and decide what's best for him. Incidentally, most of the people I know who are living with bipolar (and that's quite a few) are using Seroquel and find it works really well. It's traditionally an anti-seizure med but it's great for bipolar too, but I'm not sure if it is indicated for children.

Answer 2

I myself suffered from social anxiety (mostly related to schools and social functions) as a child all the way through mid high school when the problem was given a name by a doctor and I was medicated. I can say that my school experiences before being medicated were sadly wasted and if I'd been put on meds at a younger age my life would have been greatly improved. If there is any chance at all that medication will improve your son's quality of life, by no means can I see anyone standing in the way. If the doctor is for it, I can't think of any valid reasons not to do it. There are several web sites (type in bipolar disease in children) and the main point all of them make is that bipolar disorder is a DISEASE, just like diabetes or any other medical condition and also must most often be medicated. There are several online quizzes that can be taken as a guide to see if your suspicion of bipolar is correct, and have your husband do these quizzes as well to see if he sees that his son may suffer from it. Maybe that will open up a line of discussion. There are so many possibilities with a combination of medication and therapy that will do your son good.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Never underestimate your gut feeling when it comes to your kids!

If you're worried, the value of a second opinion from a different psychiatrist can be invaluable!

As far as alternatives to medication, a very strict routine in the home-- down to the details may prove priceless. A reward system for these also helps to reinforce the behaviors (rewards like special time with you and him, or a few minutes later for bedtime,etc).

Omega Fish Oils have proven very helpful to many people with ADD, as well as with otherwise unspecified behavioral disorders. They provide essential fatty acids that your son's brain chemistry can use to boost healthy elements and such. It's over the counter stuff you can buy in pill form at any pharmacy or vitamin supplement store.

Another one, is melatonin. This is also over the counter, and not a drug. It is a naturally occuring hormone in everyone's brain. It is a hormone that can "reset" your internal clock, and should help him have a less disturbing sleep, giving his body a healthier way to begin each day. We all manufacture it in our brains, but as you know, we all have trouble feeling rested at times, and that restful night can mean a world of difference.

The last thing, is making sure he ALWAYS eats breakfast in the morning. Even if it's just a nutrigrain bar or microwave oatmeal. Having something for our bodies to work with when we begin our day can mean the difference between throwing a tantrum and letting something slide! Also, oatmeal (even instant) has been proven to improve memories in school age children! Crazy huh?

I know its hard having to go past that barrier where we have to cave to letting our children use prescription medications, but remember, it doesnt mean that anything you did caused this, it means that you were a good enough parent to accept that your son has a special need and that medication might help him live a more content life. I respect the fact that you've tried everything in your power to resolve this in a drug free manner. Keep up the concerns about medications, because even if you do end up having to place him in some form of medical drug usage, you as a parent STILL know what's best for your child and know him better than ANYONE ELSE EVER WILL, so research any drug recommended and say NO if you don't like what your dr first suggests! You always have that right and not enough parents realize that they can actually do that!. Kudos to you and the best of luck to your family; I think you're doing great by questioning and looking for alternatives!

Answer 4

We are going through the same thing with our 10 year old daughter. She has been diagnosed with OCD - and is on medication - but we are taking her for a second opinion because we are still having problems with her - I think she's bipolar. You know how I look at it? I never would have thought I'd put my child on medication but it comes down to what is best for her - the poor thing doesn't want to be this way - why wouldn't I do whatever necessary to help her? If she had cancer I would treat it with medication.

Answer 5

my daughter and son in law was at odds with this for 8 years then last year my daughter said yes to giving her daughter medication for this you would not believe how well she is doing today..She finally doing good in school. best grades she ever maded. Plus she understand more. But you have to give modern her medication till you get the right one. The Dr. will know what to do. Good luck...It is very confusing I wish you the best.

Answer 6

take to the doctor