Mood stablizers

[Mibabies]

After having a bad experience at our psychiatrist visit,I am not sure which I am more fearful of.My daughters outbursts (which doc kept referring to as tantrums...understatment) or the thought of mood stablizers.Before truely looking at her symptoms,the doc jumped at ADHD and ignored my conserns."WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO...SUBJECT HER TO WEIGHT GAIN,SEIZURES AND LIVER OR KIDNEY DAMAGES... ALONG WITH MANY OTHER DAMAGING SIDE EFFECTS?" She asked me this several times to avoid answering my conserns.I reported her and am FINALLY getting a psychologist to do a complete evaluation, BUT now I am afraid of the medications.I have asked about non-med solutions for possible comorbid dx(ADD w/ bp or ODD?),they truely feel that is not in her best interest.All I want is to have my daughter back from what she is suffering from , safely.Any advice to help calm my aniexty,confusion,fear and pain? The counselors and specialist are trying,but I am still uneasy.I want to calm my fears (and open my mind again) before the evaluation so my daughter gets the proper treatment she deserves.I have limited family support.I just don't want to see her with substance dependency(several in family), in prison (uncle) or deceased (father).I want to break this cycle.Hard since no one dx and denial.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There is no doubt that the medications employed to treat symptoms of mood disorder carry possible side effects that are more serious than the side effects of the stimulant medications employed to treat ADHD. The important consideration, though, is to select a medication that properly addresses the target
symptom(s). Accurate diagnosis is a worthwhile goal, but keep in mind that medications are used to treat symptoms, not to treat conditions. With children, particularly very young children, is is difficult to know whether, for example, temper outbursts or volatility is due to a behavior problem, to a condition such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or to a Mood Disorder (Depression or Bipolar Disorder). When multiple conditions are suspected, and ADHD is one of the conditions, it is often the case that pharmacological treatment commences with stimulant medication and then subsequently, if necessary, with other medications (such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc.). It sounds like you are doing a prudent thing my proceeding with a careful evaluation, from which can ensue a coherent treatment plan, to include pharmacological treatment if indicated. Remember to keep focused on the target symptoms when it comes to medication (and other treament, e.g., psychotherapy) as well.

[kidcare]

Being the mother of a 12.5 yr. old bipolar/ADHD son, I can appreciate your feelings.  Fortunately, I also work with adults/children with developmental delays and have seen how meds can help. This knowledge did help in making decisions but I also had to look at what my son needed.  My husband hasn't always thought the meds were the thing, but he has seen the difference it can make.  You have to do what you feel is right.  I have tried the diets and other things but it has taken a variety of interventions to work.  We change as needed and go from there.  Make sure you read as much as you can on the meds and know there interactions.  If you feel a meds isn't right for your child, talk to your dr. and don't keep on med if you feel it isn't working.  Do let your dr. know, because some meds have to be tapered down.  I quess I've been lucky to have worked with my son's dr. for over 5 years and she listens to me and we work together.  Good luck to you and don't let your family get to you.  My son only has a paternal grandfather, and even though we live next door, he thinks a spanking should make things better.  No support there.  Find someone who may have gone through a similiar situation and hopefully they will give you an ear.  My thoughts are with you!!

[Mibabies]

Thank you so much for your support.This is new to me and I am nervous of making the wrong choices for my daughter.I have been, you could say, obsessed with searching for info and people in my situation.I've never doubted my choices before now.I think I am somewhat in denial myself at times.Hoping that it is a phase and I jumped to something that isn't.But reality (counselors & doc's) tell me there is more.Now I am eager to get her the help to make things right.I have an evaluation (complete) coming for her soon.I think I will be more settled once I know for sure what exactly I am dealing with.But thank you all for your input and support.It truely helps when you feel like this! =-)

[kidcare]

If it will make you feel better, the counselor and dr. kept telling me he was probably bipolar for about 9 months but I just didn't see it.  After my doc sent me for a second opinion, I started to see what they were talking about.  Once I figured out the family tree stuff, it made sense.  I hope everything gets settled for you.  Keep in touch!!  PS.. Is your daughter receiving special services in school?

[Mibabies]

My daughter is in Catholic school.She will be working with a Cora Counselor,a counselor that works academically with children in school.I am unaware if this falls into that catagory,but also do not know of any other special services as of yet.I have a neighbor who chose a different school for her daughter b/c she said they (my daughter's school) did not have services for special ed students.Ex: her current school can not time her child on tests.My daughter does well with grades,so far.But it is a REAL battle at home to complete the work.I told the school and our counselor,"I wonder who's grades they really are sometimes.She does not do any work on her own,she always needs assistance." And she does not do well at all on work she does in school that we can't help her on.The reading tests for ex: they do all the work in school.The test will give  paragragh and questions,she has the answers there in the paragragh,yet tends to guess and fail the majority of them.We are working with everyone to work out a set stratagy with her,she does not do well with structure or organization at all.It is a power struggle even though we try not to.They say work on one thing at a time,but where  do you start first and which do you do first ,right? Any advice

[katelynn29]

A related discussion, is there really a mood stablizer for children available? was started.