Help

[findsomething]

I have an 8 year old son and he has been through almost every type of counseling and on Ritalin, adderall, straterra, Abilify. The counslers at all the places we have been, say they are stumped or say its ADHD, or ODD, and suggest all types of theraputic things to do for him and all kinds of methods to control the tantrums.
It is so bad that he hits everyone in sight and thinks its funny, he runs around saying various cuss words, throws things and breaks them, tries to choke one of the dogs when he is in a fit and I wont feed into it. He hits his sister who is 10 and his 63 year old Grandma and his Aunt who is handicapped. He smiles if you spank him and goes into a rage if you tell him "NO" and he can scream for hours and I mean scream like he has the devil stuck in his throat. I have tried every method and book I can find. He is in trouble at school almost daily and the bus driver has had to pullover several times because of him. He was suspended from school last week. Tonight I actually had to call the cops on him, because he went into a rage over what was for dinner.  The Doctors dont have a clue what is wrong, but a friend told me to look at this article about Bipolar children and I did only to find that almost every symptom is my son. What can I do to make the Doctors listento me and help me. My life and everyone in my life is suffering everyday and I imagine that he is suffering more than anyone.

[JillthePill77]

I am bipolar myself and, as a Special Education teacher,  I have developed a program for a few bipolar children.  They have been individualized, but highly successful.
The last case I worked on was a child whom no teacher in the whole school would work with.  It started with good solid behavior modification, and it WORKED.  I"d love to help you.  Let me know if you are interested.

PS  He wasn't in my Special Ed program, just a kid who needed one more chance.  He really scared the teachers and hurt both the teachers and the other kids.  We taught him that he wasn't a bad kid, he just had bad blood chemistry.  He went with that info and was able to do all the regular activities within four months.  No medication, but I wish that he had gotten some psychiatric support, esp becuz he went to a new school where I couldn't support him.

[Venora Moonwind]

that is rough I know. I would see if you can find a doc who will work with you. are you in a location you can search out some other psychiatrist sepcializing in children?
Keep being firm with him and let him know there are consequences for his behavior. that is the key to bi polar chlldren and adults is to make them accountable even  though it is their chemical imbalance causing this behavior. Just  a though have you had his thyroid tested? wonky thryoids will mimic bi polar symptoms and a reputable psychiatrist will run a full panel thyroid test to rule out something physical causing the bi polar behavior.. Keep in touch and remeber to take care of yourself while you are going through this stressful time with your son. Let me know about the thryoid ok? and if you need to talk I will listen. Just message me.
Love Venora

[findsomething]

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunatley he has been seen by many psychiatrist and therapist, as a matter of fact I spoke with his current doc today and he seems really reluctant to say the word bipolar. Everyone has suggested these anger management classes and inpatient programs for behavior modification that require him to be out of the home for 18months. I am not willing to give him up for 18 months and have something happen to him.  What can I do to get the psychiatrist to listen? I have recorded his episodes of rage and written down all the bizarre behavior, also I have all the reports from school too. I faxed these all to his Doc and they are going to stay steady on the abilify treatment, even though it only softens the rage a little.

[Venora Moonwind]

Its time to get him evaluated by a psychiatrist and go from there. He suffering bless his heart I understand as  I was once a bi polar child. get to the psychiatirst and let meknow how thing go for you. your son and you are in my prayers.
Love Venora