It's Really Difficult Being A Manic Teen = [

[Teashop]

I have sever mood swings. None of my friends are aware that I have bi-polar. I found when I was 15 years old and I am about to turn 18 on December 27th. I am taking Lithium and it works for maybe a few days, and even with my taking it regularly, it stops working and I feel very depressed, self contious, and lonely. What do I do? I don't even like being alive anymore.

[marsha_ann]

I havent read that book, but I recently bought The Bipolar Teen by Miklowitz & George.  Only on Ch 3, but everything seems to fit.  

Our problem is finding a good doctor.  There arent many around here who take Medicaid.  Over the past 7 years, we've tried 5 or 6 psychiatrists, and have seen 1 psychologist (for testing).  And neither my son nor myself have cared for any of them.  Of course my son probably wont ever like any of them... but I hope I will find a good doctor that I can get along with.  

I've seen on the news, and on these forums, about kids ages 4-10 being diagnosed & treated for Bipolar in other states.  But not around here !!!  These doctors say they dont want to make that diagnosis until the age of 16.  But I knew if I didnt force the issue ... he might not be alive at age 16.  He hates life so much already.  I'm sure they think I'm a psycho, bossy mom .... but I wasnt going to be quiet !!!  I know something is wrong with my son ... and I'm not going to stop until he gets the correct help he needs !!!!

[ames67]

Its good the school is getting involved. Teacher's reports of behavior can really help with accurate diagnosis. Have you read The Bipolar CHild by Papalos and Papalos, great resource for parents and professionals alike. It reads like a manual and really goes into great detail about the neurochemistry involved and what medications are good. The authors have done a ton of research and have a bipolar checklist in the book. They also have a great website www.bipolarchild.com and newsletter. Check it out !

[marsha_ann]

I believe my son's pdoc is finally agreeing with me, that he has Bipolar & ODD.  I still dont think she's totally convinced, because the only behaviors she's seen from him is major defiance.  But if she would live with him for just 2 or 3 days, she would realize that I'm not making all this up !!!!

Also, the school board is getting involved again ... getting an IEP plan in action.  So, he can get some help at school hopefully.

[marsha_ann]

I do want to get the best help for my son !!!  We had another appt with his pdoc yesterday.  She FINALLY decided to try a mood stabilizer (Trileptal).  He refused to take it yesterday during our 2.5 hour fight ... but he did take it last night & this morning with no problem.  

I havent logged on in awhile, so I just now read your posts to me.  I've been busy getting things ready for that doctor's appt ... which she didnt even look at the things that I had ready for her to look at (I hate doctors like that !!!).  

Last Wednesday, Austin had a meltdown after school.  I found him out in the yard crying histerically.  He couldnt explain why, but I'm guessing it was lots of emotions combined.  He asked me "what's wrong with me?" ... but of course days later he claims there's nothing wrong with him.  That day he also admitted to hearing whispering.  And I found out more yesterday ... he hears mumbling, knocking, talking, and sees blurry or shady like figures around people/things  sometimes.  All of this just worries me more & more !!!  He said it's been going on for over a year or two ... so in the past when doctors or I have asked about this, he's lied.  
I havent noticed any more cuts/scratches.  So, that's good ... I guess.  Unless it's in areas that I dont see.  

I do still think that hospitalization is the best thing right now.  I really do !!  My husband & I have been discussing it a lot.  We thought we were going to have to make an appt today ... because of the major tantrums yesterday (refusing to take the new med).  My husband told him that he could take the med for us, or take it at Brentwood (hospital).  

The only thing I'm worried about is ... either the hospital stay can make things better ... or make things worse.  Because if he doesnt get the help he needs, his behavior will be 100times worse from being angry that we sent him there.  He stayed at that hospital for a week when he was 6 yrs old, and he STILL hates me for making him go there... and that was seven yrs ago.  

[River89]

Hi, I've never posted here before, but here goes. Hello, everyone.

I'm a bipolar eighteen year old, it's suspected that I've had the bipolar component since at least seventh grade, and the depression has been going on continually since I was a young child. I spent 12 days in a psychiatric hospital last May along with getting on medications(I've been on Celexa, Seroquel, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Lamictal, Depakote, Lithium, Metadate, and Trileptal[not all at once]), and it, while at the time I disagreed, and still somewhat do, helped. It kept me safe from harm to myself, and for a while I was stabilized. It's not a cure-all, but it is definitely a valid option, especially in your son's situation, in my opinion. Even a partial-hospitalization program might be beneficial to your son, anything at this point sounds like it would be an improvement.
Best wishes,
River

[Crystlas]

Hey there, I should address you too, because this is your thread afterall!  The reason you are not feeling stable is that you are not getting the right treatment.  Lithium is an awsome med, but very rairly is it used alone.  I am on a Lithium/Wellbutrin combo for my BP.  Anyhow, you also have to take your medication, as directed, every day or it will not work correctly in your system.  These medications are designed to re-align the biochemistry in our brains.  If you do not take the medication properly, this can not happen.  Bipolars have improper balances of both dopamine and serotonin.  For example, my Lithium helps the Serotonin levels so that I do not go manic.  And the Wellbutrin helps my dopamine levels so I am not depressed.  If I went on and off my meds, my biochemistry would never balance properly.  Makes perfect sense huh??  That also means staying off of alchohol and drugs, because when they are thrown into the the mix it aggrivates your BP and messes up your meds working correctly.  I would start taking your Lithium like you are supposed to and after three weeks get your levels checked so that you know if you are at a theraputic level for your body.  Also, I would work with your psychiatrist to find out another medication to work with your Lithium to aliviate your symptoms.  Hope this helps!