Question:
I am new here and I had a question regarding my 9 yr old son. I have had problems with his moods since he was 3 yrs old. He would go into rages that were beyond the normal "terrible 2's and three's". Even at 3 he could tear the mattress off his twin bed, break windows etc. When he was 6, I finally sought counseling for him. They told me he was adhd and put him on Ritalin. It didn't work at all. He still had periods where he would cry over everything, or go into rages, or just be generally moody. I couldn't and still can't take him anywhere without a major scene. Trips that were supposed to be fun, turn into a nightmare. We took him to Disneyworld, and
he complained the whole time. After several different counselors, and lots of research, I am seeing symptoms of bi-polar disorder in him. His local doctor
finally put him on Zoloft 3 days ago, so I have yet enough time to see if it
is doing any good. I have made an appointment at a children's hospital behavioral therapy clinic to get him evaluated for bi-polar disorder. I am hoping that he isn't, yet also hoping if he is, that he gets the proper treatment. Is anyone on this list in a similar situation with their child, or experienced bipolar symptoms at such a young age themselves? Please advise.
Answer:
There is a really good possibility that your son is bipolar, but there are
several other possibilities that, hopefully, a good children's hospital will
consider and evaluate him for.
I'd be a little cautious at this point about the use of Zoloft, however, because, if, indeed, your son is bipolar, the Zoloft, especially not paired with an appropriate mood stabilizer, could trigger exactly the kind of behavior you're seeking to avoid.
Treatment by an excellent Child and Adolescent biopsychiatrist is very likely to produce the best possible results and, therefore, the best possible life for your son and the rest of your family. If we can help, please call upon us.
The National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc. maintains "800" lines which, presently through a recorded message, provide callers with the symptoms of depression and manic depression and inform them of how to receive a packet of additional information from NAFDI. This additional information includes a referral list, by state, of doctors and support groups as well as a bibliography, our brochure and additional relevant articles. The number to call, toll-free, is 1-800-245-4306.
If you are familiar with the symptoms of depression and manic depression and prefer not to listen to the recording, you may write to us, The National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc. (or NAFDI) at Post Office Box 2257, New York, NY 10116-2257 and request the information. Please enclose a self-addressed envelope of business size or larger with $0.97 of U.S. postage affixed (for U.S. addresses). As we are a not-for-profit organization, if you can afford it, please enclose a contribution of $5 or more. If you can't afford that, please let us know and we'll be happy to send you exactly the same material at no charge.
You may also visit us at our web page .
