BiPolar?

[Amy]

My son is 6 yrs old .He is currently on Prozac for depression. His teachers tell me he sometimes exhibits a kind of Uphoria, running out of the room, not being defiant, just "for the heck of it". They think he might be Bi-Polar. He is aggressive and has been suspended more times than I count--from Kindergarten. Sometimes, he is the most loving, sweet child, then if he is having a "low moment" he is down right mean and underhanded, with violent behavior toward his peers and brothers, 2 &4. Does this sound like Bi-Polar? I have tapered off the Prozac and started the Depakote again. I hope to see the Dr. soon, but it is taking an emotional toll on all of us. I am a single mom, his dad died in 97. Its getting harder to know where to draw the disciplinary line between bad behavior and mental illness.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Amy,

Juvenile onset Bipolar Disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but does require some form of mood stabilizing medication. Often with young children the type of mood stabilizer that is preferred is one of the anti-seizure drugs.

Behavior management will need to be part of the treatment plan one way or the other. Your son should be in therapy with a child mental health clinician who can also be a resource to you. This person can collaborate with the prescribing psychiatrist.

[Cynthia]

My 8 yo son has been dx'd with early onset bp disorder.  For more information on this and a wonderful support message board, go to this site:

http://www.bpkids.org

Also, the book "The Bipolar Child" by Dr. Demitri Papalos is a must read.  You can check out the website at:

http://www.bipolarchild.com

Take care.

[Amy]

Thanks to both of you. Actually, he was diagnosed on Tuesday of last week after a manic episode at school. Completely out of control. Scared me & the teacher to death. But as I suspected, the Dr. decided it was BiPolar and prescribed Zyprexa. The first night on (1)  2.5mg pill he slept 22 hours. Dr. said this is good. He hasnt shown any improvement yet, but we are hopeful. He "acted up" at school Friday & they wouldnt let him attend the Kindergarten end of the year party. I hope times like this are coming to an end. Thanks for your help.
Amy