my 7 year old is bipolar

the Dr.s tell me that my son is bipolar. He has alot of out burst and is very violent. He was on some meds but we moved and he hasnt been on any for a while. his behavioirs have not changed his teachers tell me how good he is at school but when i say that he hasnt been on any meed then htey tell me that he has been very violent. my question is should i put my son back on the meds or keep him off when he is hte same on or off the meds? what is the difference? could there be a miss diagnoses?

[xanweaner]

Does your son watch adult tv and has he been exposed to tv violence? Does he play video games?
Who diagnosed him? You mentioned that he is "good at school" - does that mean that he does not exhibit any violent behavior there?
What does he do that makes him violent?

I think this info might be helpful first.

[lactac1224]

Bi-polar in young children is very hard to diagnose so I agree that a little more info is needed and a trip to the psychiatrist would be good.  I have a 7 year old boy that I believe is bipolar.  My father, sister and I all have the disorder.  My son has had outbursts and anger/tantrums since he could walk.  Also, he never slept.  I mean at 3 years old he would be up until 2-3am and wake up at 6am.  His doctor has put him on medicine for ADHD (concerta) durning the day and clonidine after school.  We tried different medicines until we found this combo.  

My suggestion is don't stop trying.  It can take a long time to find the right doctor, counselor and medication that will work for a person with bi-polar or other mental illness.  Keep records of what doctors you see and what medicine he has been on.  Once you get the right help you will see a big difference.

[needhelp133]

my son had been to 7 different psychiatrist and 2 different dr. they all say the same thing he has been on 4 different ADHD meds to rule that out. His outburst are very angree. He says he will kill you at his last school he tackled a girl to the ground sat on her and told her he was going to rip out her volcalcords and shove them down her throut, he strangles his little sister she is 5, he also trys to beat up his sister that is 14 and 12. he has major outburst in stores and it isnt that he is spoiled cause he gets grounded and has to stand in the corner or do extra chores. i need help cause i dont know what to do . the meds that he was on was lamictal 100mg in morning and 100 mg at night and risperdal 1mg in morning and 2mg at night. Sometimes i will get up at night and he will be awake playing games or watching cartoons.

[needhelp133]

sorry and the school thing the teachers tell me that he is doing very good with using his words at school and he is not being violent but then when i tell them that he is not on any meds then they tell me that he is hitting and saying he is going to kill people including the teachers

[xanweaner]

I am so sorry to hear about your situation - try finding a family crisis center that can help you. Yes, you do need help. Your son needs help. I hope they can help you with your family...