bi-polar behavior / ADHD ; is ritalin bad

[fancywoman]

My question is basic; I want to know if the ritalin La 40 mg that
my son is currently taking effects his behavior? We have been going to consoling and his counsoler believes and I feel that he is bi-polar and not ADHD he has great outbursts of behavior than after 15 minutes everything is fine. Is there a possible way that he inheritied this from my father, because the behavior is just the same. please advise as what my options could be.
Thank You

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Bipolar Disorder is a type of mood disorder that is biologically-based and has a strong genetic component. This means that if a child has a relative who displays Bipolar Disorder, it makes it much more likely that the child will display the condition than would a child without such a relative. Ritalin is a type of stimulant medication prescribed to treat ADHD, and it can result in irritability as a side effect, particularly as it  wears off. It sounds like a 'second opinion' would be warranted to pinpoint the diagnosis and be sure your son is adequately treated. A possibility is that he displays ADHD alongside a mood disorder (depressive d/o; bipolar d/o).

[worried mum]

how old is your son? Is he old enough to ' learn' behaviour from his dad? What I mean is that children  pick up on the things we do and the way we behave and they learn from us, so if his dad behaves this way he may think its acceptable too. Is he like that with everyone or is it just certain people? I think that bipolar disorder can be inherited, but I am sure that the experts on this site may be able to tell you more accuratly. MY son also can be as nice as anything one minute and just switch within seconds to being a total brat!!! He has not been diagnosed with anything at the minute, but I am quite ' moody' myself and I wonder if its anything that may be passed from me. Also he behaves much worse for me and I am sure this is because of the way I respond to his behaviour. I hope that you find some answers too. Has your husband ever been diagnosed or will he not seek help?
take care

[kidcare]

My son is diagnosed with both ADHD and bi-polar disorder.  We have tried a variety of meds and it takes awhile to find the right combination. There are 2 good we-sites www.bpkids.org and www.bipolarchild.com that will give you alot of good info.  My son has typically always been worse at home than in other settings.  Some bi-polar children are affected by Ritalin SR, Concerta, etc but if they are ADHD also you may have to experiment.  Ask your doctor about Focalin and whether it may be helpful.  I hope you are able to find some answers and help.  Hang in there!