My son is 6 and bi-polar. Anyone else dealing with this type of problem?

Amanda - posted on 12/08/2010

My son has PTSD, ADHD, and another diagnose that I can't quite remember exatcly what it was but something with the way he is towards adults and not wanting to listen. Defiant towards other people.

He was on medication and he didn't get any better. I took him off and started spending time with him, doing things one on one, taking him to a counselor, and talking to his dr. Things started looking up and than he started seeing his bio dad and since than it's ALL gone downhill. He's extremley defiant towards me, his stepdad(my fiance), his sisters and my family. He screams, hits, fights, yells, throws things, slams things, I mean you name it he does it. Once he's calmed down he's normal and happy and loving. He started seeing a counselor again, and he's not getting any better at home. I am frustrated as well. He tells me he hates me daily and wants to go live with his dad. I'm all for him having a relationship with him, but he can't live with him. It would break my heart seeing him live with him, and my 3 girls here with me. It wouldn't be complete, I've been the one and only person there for him for the last almost 7 yrs.

So in a way I kind of understand what you're going thorugh. And he could be diagnosed with Bi-Polar, they are actually diagnosing young kids more and more. I think trying to stay strong until the holidays are over, and than looking into a hospital might be your best option.

I know it can't be easy, and I feel horrible for you. But you need to do what's best for you and him. Maybe after he's there for awhile, you could get some help from the hospital on ways to make him feel more stable at home. Like routine, or things they do.

Good luck and hang in there!! :)

Nichole - posted on 12/08/2010

I understand. I hope he gets better soon. I work with a lot of children with severe psychological, emotional, &/or behavioral disorders. I can't imagine how hard it must be to be the parent, must be a rollercoaster. If you ever want to talk just message me.

Tifani - posted on 12/08/2010

Thank you Nichole. I know it wont be easy. I am already planning on him to go. I am just hoping to wait until after the holidays. It would not be Christmas without all of my children.

Tifani - posted on 12/08/2010

His father, uncle, and aunt are all diagnosed bi-polars. They did not get diagnosed until older but had the symptoms when they were younger. He has his good moments too don't get me wrong. One minute he is loving on you and the next his is trying to kill you (literally). They looKed at other options first but everything is failing for him. He actually wants to go to the hospital to get better. He knows there is something wrong and wants to get better. He has seen himself where he has been recorded and heard cassette tapes. He said he does not know why he acts like that. Me and his father actually both have seizures and they even looked at that as a possibility but that test came back normal. I know they dont usually diagnose them at that age, but when he attacked the doctor and it took them an hour plus to calm him down, they are running out of options. He is even attacking kids and teachers at school. It is a matter of time before i am being sued, and we are trying to take care of it before it gets to that point.

Nichole - posted on 12/08/2010

I work with a bipolar child who was diagnosed at about 6. (I work at a mental health center). You are not fighting a losing battle. It's hard. We've struggled with this child on & off. But once they found a good balance of meds, and through several outpatient services this child has SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Hospitalizing him is a hard decision but really could help him. It is a VERY structured enviroment which makes it easier to get meds balanced and start helping him learn how to manage his symptoms and such. It could be best especially if nothing else is working & he's getting worse.

Tabby - posted on 12/08/2010

Based on the information you wrote that doesn't sound like bipolar. Bipolar's main symptom is having periods of highs (manic) and lows (depression). Maybe he was misdiagnoised and that's why the medication isn't working. Also I'm a psych major and I have never heard of a child being diagnoised as bipolar so young. Even "normal" children go through periods of highs and lows. Usually they will wait until the child is in their teens...