Toddler Bipolar Disorder

I am sorry if i offend you or any othe doctors out there, but i thing the boys are way to young to be diagnosed with such a serious condition....it seems bipolor is becoming the new trend...they are two young and presious...get them off everything and decide when they are older. im dealing with a 13 yr old moodiness its NORMAL.........

Hi C.,
My son was diagnosed with bipolar when he was 4 as well, and is now 9 and doing okay. He has great days and not so great days, and finding a way to balance the right meds at the right levels is a huge challenge, but completely worth the moments of stability. People who haven't been through it can't understand it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. It's a tough road, but I wouldn't trade my son for the world. He's the most compassionate person I know!
~A. :)

Hello C.,

My 11y son was diagnosed at age 3.1/2y with SID first, then changed to ED/ASD(Autistic Spectrum Disorder)when is was 7. We were told that he could also develop ADHD "Distractible type" later on. We brought him to a neurological institute to support his needed for Speech pathology and OT therapy. My experience of my son being different was Cleary a mind opening that inspired me to be pro-active in his overall health. I remember that the most remarkable incident that I could put my finger on about his "difference" was right after he received all his 18 months vaccinations. It was night and day until his diagnosis at age 3.
We deiced to go the natural way and remove all unnatural food from his diet such as artificial sweeteners, High Fructose Corn Syrup, artificial food dyes, flavors and preservatives such as BTH, BHTQ, and Sodium Benzoates commonly found in cereals and juices. They are synthetically made from petroleum by-products. We remove wheat products (gluten) for a while, dairy, eggs, nuts and farm raised fish to see if he had any food allergies not detectable by tests. We also remove all processed meat such as hotdogs, cold-cuts than contains nitrates or sulfite and gave him only hormones and antibiotic free meat, eggs, dairy and poultry. Drink only water no carbonated drink and we use only body wash and shampoo made without artificial dyes and fragrances. Results no more eczema :)
The results were amazing! The beauty in making the conscious nutritional changes is that our entire family’s health benefited by it as well. NO flu, no cold, nothing for years and we keep it that way. To address is Anxiety, I have used my own modalities or Body/Mind techniques such as EFT(Emotional Freedom techniques)and "Guide Imagery"(hypnotherapy)which also helped him with his school performance, self-confidence, and Asthma. My son is on the honor roll every trimester. We have set the bar high for him because we believe He can achieve what ever his heart desire. We refuse him to be a Victim of his difference but a Responsible boy pro-active in his abilities and choices. Best of luck! C. C.

Hi C.,

I really feel for you and how confusing this all must be. You've received many good suggestions. It's so important to get a proper diagnosis, and being a therapist I know how hard it is to find a really good psychiatrist. I don't really know a lot about bipolar disorder in children so young, but I do know that sometimes PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) is overlooked and confused with other disorders, such as ADHD. Has your child experienced any sort of trauma; birth trauma, separations from parents, accidents, hospitalizations, family trauma, etc.? It's just a thought. If this might be the case, you might want to check out EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). The website is www.emdr.com, or www.emdria.org. EMDR can not change a true case of bipolar disorder which is chemically based, but if there is any history of trauma it can be extremely helpful. Also, rather than depend on local psychiatrists (and I know there are many good ones), I would probably go to Boson or NY to one of the major psychiatric centers that specialize in Bipolar Disorder.

Good luck to you and your family.

V. S.

This is certainly a tough situation to be in. Do you have a therapist that your child/children routinely sees, and that you trust and feel comfortable with? If not, I'd find one, as the first step. Toddlers can be bi-polar, but it's not very common. It's more likely that he's feeling stressed/anxious,and it's coming out in some scary statements/actions. My dauther, who's 8.5 now, has some sensory processing disorder, and sensory integration problems. She also had a severe lazy eye. Many of her behaviors when little (running out of her classroom, spinning in very stimulating environments, biting herself,) seemed like something on the Autism scale. When older and she'd talk about not having any hope, and not wanting to grow up,being "tired all the time", and her head being in a fog, we were worried about depression. Through work with her wonderful therapist, consults with OTA in Watertown, a neuropsych eval, and vision therapy, she's much happier, and we understand her a lot better. We now know that many of those behaviors were due to her trying to have some control over the stimulation she was receiving (either to increase it or decrease it). That she felt "stupid" about many things (which she's not-above ave. IQ) because she couldn't do what other kids could due to vision problems (e.g. she had no depth perception, so she couldn't catch + throw things, or kick a soccer ball), or couldn't tolerate school assembly because it was too loud, or couldn't sit unsupported because her muscle tone was so low that it was exhausting for her to sit on the floor. She'd be so worn out from trying to just deal with the environment and her body, that she had no energy left to tackle what was being asked of her in school-causing her her to scream, cry, run away. Now that we have a better understanding of what she's going through, and helped correct her vision, we can plan ahead for the stimulating environment; we can utilize exercises to help her calm down, or rev-up; employ techniques such as giving her gum to chew so she can sit still to do her homework;and we can explain all this to her teachers so they know, too, and can support her in her struggles to get through the day.
I don't have the answer to what your son may be experiencing, but I wouldn't just accept the bi-polar diagnosis. Best of luck. I know you've had some tough days and nights. Take the time to take care of yourself too, so you'll have what it takes to take care of them

C., I am a mother of a 9year old with ADHD and can relate to the confusion and frustration with finding appropriate providers/medications to help my son. A good friend of mine's son was diagnosed with Bipolar and was taking medication since he was 3. He was just re-evaluated and his mother was told that he doesn't have bipolar. My recommendation to you, if I may, is to get a second opinion, maybe a third. This is your baby we are talking about. I am sick and tired of the lack of experienced providers out there, that don't have enough knowledge about diagnosing very young children. I heart goes out to you. I know you don't know me, but if you ever need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to ask.

You didn't mention where the neuro-psych evals were given, but wanted to ask if you ever tried Mass General, there is a long waiting list, but if you feel your son is in crisis, they may be able to see you sooner.

Hi C.,

I have a granddaughter who's ADHD with depression (I also think there's a hidden Bi-polar issue there). I had received a Boston Terrier from someone who shows dogs. The Boston is an AKC champion and they needed to find her a home, since they were done showing her and only bred her a couple of times. Anyway, there was an GREAT change in my granddaughter soon after I got this little wonder of life. So, she was certified as my granddaughter's service dog. My granddaughter was also placed on a medication called "Stratera" (the lowest dose of 18 mg, the higher dose made her anxiety return, so we cut her back)and between the three (service dog, diet and Startera) this kid has changed sooooo much! She was over-weight and so depressed. We also cut back on fried and fast foods big-time, as well as more fresh and natural foods! Well, no more major problems! She's a VERY happy child now! I really think it was the combination of service dog to cuddle with (a living thing to live FOR and made her laugh), change of foods and the meds that made such a wonderful change in her life. If you think getting a service dog may help your little ones please contact Tutor Service Dogs, support group. They will help you, or refer you to those who can. Just a suggestion! I always say, "Whatever works, work it." God Bless and good luck. Feel free to e-mail me: ____@____.com

Wow I am shocked that someone would diagnose at such an early age. I thought the bi-polor didn't diagnose until they were 8/9 years old.

I would read ( google) up as much as you can so at least you can be on the same page with your doctor. Are their things you can do at home that may help as well.

hi my name is theresa and i have two boys ages 4(almost 5) and 6 1/2 yrs old. i am responding to you because i too have a son that isnt bipolar but has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder(my almost 5 yo) he is on ritilin after trying several different meds i have found that it works, and also he is on clonidine at night, to help him sleep better. it has been a long road for me and the kids but continuing with therapy and medication has made life a little easier. my 6 yo also has adhd so he too is on medication focalin and clonidine to sleep. anytime you want to talk or just blow off steam dont hesitate to contact me. ____@____.com

hi C.
I dont know what area you are in or what your beliefs are there is a dr in Kittary maine named timothy kingsbury D.O. general practice of osteopathic medicine his # ###-###-#### address is po box 189 111 rogers road in kittery maine. The man has done miracles foe a couple of other friends in the past couple of years.I hope maybe he can help you. the other place I would go to is childres hospital in boston.
D. D

try another psychiatrist when my son was 3 they thought the same thing but he heard voices and they were bad ones so they thought he was bipolar and he was not the doctors are really not to sure about younger children my son now is 23 years old and stills hears voices it is hard to get a ggo doctor but the women doctors seem a lot better try one of them good luck just keep trying it is hard but it dose get better

I also have BP. Have been living with it for most of my life, but have only recently (5years ago) been diagnosed. We took our son for an evalutaion because we thought he was showing signs of it, the Doctor told us he is too young to be properly diagnosed. He was 5 at the time. Maybe try a different Doctor. We went to a great one in Providence. If you would like I can send you the info. He is one of the top doctors in the child field. He also teaches at Brown. Let me know.

~T.

I have no experience with this, but my gut instinct is that you should get a second (or third) opinion. If the diagnosis doesn't sit right with you, it doesn't hurt to find out if another doctor agrees. I think diagnosing bipolar at such a young age is if-y (I believe I read an article recently about that being a new thing and there are those in the medical community that don't agree that a toddler could be diagnosed with bipolar) and if that's what you got, then just make sure they're right before you go down a path of treatment, especially considering the meds he'd likely be taking.
Good luck!

http://www.bpkids.org, http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/1068/, http://www.nami.org/,
The Bipolar Child(Book)

Myspace is also a great way to meet people to chat with too.

I read this request and it really caught my attention. I am a married mother of two and also living with bipolar. My children thank god seemingly seem to be sffected by my disease. I was concerned because bpolar meds are heavy and brutal. The side affects with a large quantity are too much for even myself to take. my diagnosis only came 4 years after the problems started. It is not easy to diagnose and it takes a long time to do so. I also diagnosis of such a disease in a child can be almost impossible and that a large portion of positive diagnosis in children is incorrect. Bipolar seems as though it is the new ADD. Meaning if the doctors don't know they start to pull straws and just start andom diagnosis. I would be concerned about how a "diagnosis" for such an issue would affect him as he grows. If he were my child I would do whatever I had to do to get another independant opinion . Please remember to be cautious with the type og drugs they want to give your child.

To start, I have no experience with this, but I did want to suggest something, as a person who works in the medical field. With a diagnosis as significant as bipolar, I would seek out a second opinion, just to be completely sure, especially as the typical treatment involves psychotropic meds. I knowing nothing about your son, or the physician....but I can say that in healthcare, it is not unheard of for physicians to be biased toward (or against) some diagnosis, either from personal experience (or lack of). I am trying to be diplomatic here. What I really want to stress to anyone who reads this is that not all MD's are experts in all areas, so it is usually a good idea to get second opinions for significant issues, if possible, just to be really sure in your heart. A second opinion is just that, an opinion...it doesn't have to mean changing MD's...typically they just confirm that your MD is right on track.

A second thing I wanted to add, and this is from my own area of expertise, is that occupational therapy may be beneficial. "Sensory Processing Disorder" is not currently an accepted medical term (but should be soon..there is actually a group that decides this sort of thing!). As an OT who works with children, I can say this does exist, and there is treatment to help...not to make the issues go away, but to help your children cope with sensory processing issues and be more comfortable with themselves. Many children with PDD have sensory processing difficulties, and this can definately lead to anxiety. If you are unfamiliar with sensory processing disorders, google it...there is a lot of information, to see if your sons' have these characteristics.

I tend to give a lot of opinions and advice, so if I have overstepped, I apologize. This is just an area I am passionate about!

Good luck...your boys are very luck to have a great mom like you!

Wow! you have your hands full! You never have to accept anyones diagnosis. and at such a young age it's hard. Raising these kids is a total week by week trial & error. With diagnosis & meds. The depression can just be from the anxiety. It's so hard for these little guys to deal with life sometimes!

Aside from meds there are kids self hypnosis tapes (which help with relaxation, stress relief, and self esteem) and the brain gym system.

I am a special ed parent advocate, with 2 special needs boys myself (20 yr old-anxiety disorder, 10 yr old boarderline PDDNOS)

Hi C.,
First, go with your gut... get a 2nd opinion, or a 3rd if need be. You need to stick by your son and continue to do what is best for him, as you have been. As another responder said, not all Doctors are experts in all areas and it can take A LOT of searching.
My Daughter is now 18yrs, but I knew when she was a toddler that she was "different" as I had sisters much younger than me and I knew the typical toddler behaviors and I saw that my daughter was not 'typical". We went to several different therapists and went through the whole list of diagnosis and some even blamed my husband and I, saying she was just upset do to the birth of her younger sister so close to her own birthday! (you can imagine how that made us feel!)
Anyway, we chose not to medicate at a young age since different people couldn't seem to agree on a diagnosis. She is now on meds and it is a challenge for her and us, as her family. She has her good days but she also has many "down days" even on the meds. It is a very long road and it is here to stay.
Another thing to keep in mind is there are other disorders that can mimic Bi-polar and also there are different types of Bi-Polar. Each with it's different treatment and different symptoms, though similar as well.
(sorry this is SO long)
Just stick with it and know that you are doing all you can for your children. Also.. you may find yourself needing to talk to someone either professionally or a really close friend to help you as this goes on. It is exhausting as I am sure you know.

Feel free to write to me if you wish.
Take care!

C.,

Thank goodness you know what your dealing with. It sometimes takes years for parents and physicians to diagnose correctly. I watched a lengthy report on 20/20 or frontline about bipolar disorder in children. I wish I had some good advice personally. My son has ADHD and for years I just thought he was hyper and naughty. We participated weekly visits to a Phsyciatrist teaching us behavior modifications. That worked slightly and temporarily. Unfortunately drugs were our only option. There was a sense of anxiety giving such a small person drugs. Guilt if you will. Until I watched the show on bipolar in children. The children obviously benefit so much from finally finding a balance once their medications have been tweaked. We exhausted the holistic approach as well. The one good thing we took away was to be very conscious of what products you clean with. Some can be toxic to a child with challenges. Their system is so sensitive to processed foods we were encouraged to feed our whole family a clean diet. Fresh fruit, whole grains, protein, veges and never resort to processed foods. The preservatives can interfere with the meds. Hang in there.

I feel for you. My son was having many problems, not as severe as yours but I had several evals done and his Drs. actually told me that they believe that he has it but would never make a diagnose that permanent at such a young age. He was 4 at the time and is going to be 6 this month. I have bipolar that runs in my family (3out of 4 of my siblings), and his father has it very manic and severe as well as most of his family. It's a battle daily to try to teach my son how to cope with his thoughts and how to react to situations, but I found that his diet is a huge part of his issues. I have a friend that is a nutritional counselor and with many changes going to organic foods, fruits, and cutting out all fast food, it is a huge change for my son. I don not have him on any meds because personally I have seen the horrible effects that they have had on many friends and family and I refuse to let that happen to my son. I know through a process of continual learning that there are alot of other options out there that help just as much. My son has learned to meditate with me and do yoga and this also helps to control many of the chemicals that surge through him on any given day. We can't change how he was made, but we can find naturals ways to help him control those "chemically off" days. If you teach them the coping skills when they're young, they'll keep those practices with them for life. Good luck and i hope this helps in some way.

-M.