Is anyone raising a little girl with bipolar?

Question

My 8 soon to be 9 year old daughter has always had strange behavior problems. She is quiet and shy in school. But is very angry and moody at home. She can change from being happy and chatty to be screaming and raging in a heartbeat. When she was a newborn we could not put her in a vehicle, she screamed and cried bloody murder until she was over a year old. She has never slept through the night and cannot sleep alone. She used to panic if a shirt was too tight going over her head, that has gotten better but the fear is still there if the shirt lingers over her face for too long. These are just a few of the things that have happened and continue happening as she gets older. Her father has been diagnosed with bipolar and has a history of it in his family. I know it is hereditary and I just would like an opinion of wether or not I should bring these problems up with her doctor or if I'm just being paranoid.?

I never said I wanted her put on medication. I also do not believe in drugging children for no reason, but I also do see the good side of therapy and was hoping for more details on how to handle the behavioral issues. I am at the end of my rope and need help not critizism. Thanks

I was married to her father for two years and he was without a doubt bipolar. The episodes were horrible and violent. His aunt is also mentally ill, I do not know what her diagnoses is but I have also seen her have episodes and she is uncontrollable and violent. I think that since these mental illnesses are hereditary I may look closer for answers in her behavior in that area. But I have two other children at home that this is effecting.

Maybe I should mention some of the other symptoms....she loved horses and never had a fear of them, never had anything to happen that should scare her. Now all of a sudden she's terrified. She is and always has been very sexual. (no she has NOT been molested. My daughter is never left alone with any man. I'm very particular about this subject.) Anyway, she is always hot, never keeps covers on and never sleeps in anything more than a t-shirt and panties. She has done fine in school and loves school, and now she is having panic attacks and not wanting to go. Yes, I've discussed if something has happened to her at school and she claims that nothing has happened and I have also had her grandparents and other influential people talk to her about this and no one can get anything out of her. She is constantly worried that me or anyone close to her is going to die. She is obsessed with blood and gore and I have caught her looking up pictures of dead animals. The list goes on and on

Answer 1

Sorry to say this. It sounds like me as a child. My father raped me, I blocked it out.

Answer 2

You are probably feeding her too much sugar or something. I hate it when parents jump the gun and start making excuses for odd behavior. My parents did the same thing to me. They sent me to a hospital and the doctors told me I was bipolar. It was all a load of crap. I'm a happy healthy adult now. I have two sons of my own, twins,13 months old. They both do weird little things. But it's just who they are. No 8 year old is going to be emotionally stable. They are just little kids and always have some sort of weird behavior. Embrace your child's personality and don't go off claiming she has a problem. What do you think that will make her feel like?? Unless her behavior is dangerous to herself or other people, I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 3

I wouldn't jump to conclusions about bipolar disorder or abuse. Has she ever been tested for autism (pervasive developmental disorder)? It's not unusual for people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia to have children or nieces/nephews with PDD. (I work for an agency that serves kids with autism and more than half of them have a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt with bipolar, major depression or schizophrenia). It sounds like she is unusually sensitive to certain feelings like the tightness of her clothes and so on, sensory integration issues can be a sign of PDD. So can the panic/behavioral issues. Has she ever had her thyroid checked? Thyroid abnormalities can cause the hot feeling and mood/behavior problems. There might be other physical causes. Try taking her to a doctor and looking for a physical cause and evaluate for PDD/autism. If your doctor isn't sure what to do, ask for a referral to a pediatric neurologist.

Answer 4

i have a 10 year old son that is bipolar and i agree that alot of the behavior you describe is out of character. bi polar does cause sleeping problems and the occational outburst but the shirt thing and not riding in a car well, i have to agree with clausterphobic. i dont know much about that though.
just to respond to the first answerer jeffery, bipolar does not require antideprssant, it requires anti psychic. it is literally a glitch in the brain about how much serotonin and dopeamine it releases. it leads to depression but doesnt start with it.

overall get to the doctor, you arent happy and more than likely your daughter isnt happy. there is no reason to live like that.good luck!

Answer 5

I have a daughter who has bipolar disorder with psychoses. She also has "multiple personality disorder" (schizophrenia). When she was just past 3 years old she started showing symptoms of bipolar disorder. She is now nearly 23 years old. I do suggest discussing the symptoms with a doctor. I have chosen to raise my daughter without use of drugs to control her disorders. It can be very frustrating, but also gives great rewards when she learns how to cope with her own behaviors and/or disorders. She is now married and has two very beautiful, loving, normal children, and she is a wonderful mother.

Answer 6

I am bipoar - the symptoms you describe are not typical of bipolar disorder. be careful - it is easily over diagnosed.

sounds like she might have some anxiety or other social problems though. first thing I would look at is the way you treat her/bring her up. also check out that other people arent acting weird around her...
If all is fine, then take her to a doctor and have a talk.
.

Answer 7

I consider reducing him out of her lifestyles is unwise simply due to the fact he's ill. If you are living in combination then possibly a separation and travelling whilst he's in a extra steady state of brain might be a well thought. His cure might not be at a powerful foundation but and it alterations more often than not consequently, how is in now in his episodes might not be how he's in time to come back, eliminating your daughter from him fully isn't proper personally. However, I realize what you imply approximately a steady atmosphere, and it's complex, however I can assume that if reduce out fully after which asking to discuss with your daughter in 10 years time, your daughter might suppose extra disjointed than figuring out daddy is slightly unwell and after we see him he could now not be the equal. I have no idea the individual hindrance so I can simplest advocate such a lot, however I consider you'll have a frank speak along with her dad to peer in which he's with cure and what different support he's searching for, categorical your issues after which organize whilst he can see your daughter.

Answer 8

she is just a kid sum kids just do this kinda stuff you just need to disapline her more. they said when i was younger i had bipolar disorder but my parents never did put me on them cause it can cause problem for the kids when they get older, try reading up on bipolar and try normal ways to help her then pills. pills are not needed, for any kid. so my parents disaplend me and try other things then pills. just put ur foot down and show her that she needs to listen and respect you and stop screaming. all doctors will say she is bipolar they say kinds of stuff. just try sumthin diffrent. like this.....

There are steps you can take at home to reduce your child's symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Keep your child's room quiet, and have your child go to bed at the same time every night.
Control the amount of stress in your child's life. You may need to seek ways to help your child reduce academic requirements during severe mood swings.
Learn to recognize the early warning signs of your child's manic and depressive mood episodes.
Steps your child can take to help control moods include:

Getting enough exercise. During a depressive episode, your child may feel like doing only gentle exercises, such as taking a walk or swimming.
Getting enough sleep and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.
Eating a balanced diet.
Avoiding beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, colas, and energy drinks.

hope this helps good luck!

Answer 9

no harm in mentionming it to the Dr butall children are diffiucult at times I think she is to young to given medication.
I recently learmed my mum mas bipoler, my sister has claimed she is and now my 18 year old son thinks he is. but he was diagnosed dispraxic as a child which cauresd some of the same problems you mention I will pray for your family.
I have been on anty depresants 25 years but when I mention the manic depretion to my dr she dismissed it right out.

Answer 10

No, im still 11 but i read about the BD the brother of Gerard Way has BD and has suffered a lot of mental incapabilities..but you should bring the question up so u could be safe

Answer 11

my nephew was diagnosed with depression and bipolar. shocking news at 6 years of age but sometimes our chemical balance isn't balanced. Go see a doctor, and start her on some medication to help balance her moods. I'm not a doctor but i would guess she's pskitzofrantic. ( I tried to spell check it but it didn't have the word) It all runs together. The good news is you care enough to aknowlege and help the situation.