Replies to 'Bipolar Disorder'

I have no children, but pretty soon those who have will be around to post to you. Meanwhile I hope you have a very nice thanksgiving. All the best to you and your family.

I am sorry to hear of your sons diagnosis.  On the flip side  you have an answer and a direction now so you are Blessed.  I had no idea how relentless this disorder could be in families.   Our oldest was diagnosed at age 18.  It has always been a struggle raising him.  My husbands mother and grandmother were both diagnosed as well.  Those were more severe cases.  My largest concern now is my next to youngest, he is 4.  He has an IEP with the primary school and his extreme bahavior at school and home has me really concerned.  No one seems to be able to screen him for the illness because of his tender age.  My instinct as his mom has me hoping I'm wrong.  Me and my husband are going through marital counseling due to the stress that seems to have consumed as right now.  I feel alone dealing with these children.  My husband also has all the marked symptoms of the disorder.  How can this be?  How can a disorder not skip a beat like this?  My husband is starting to see a little light through our counseling.   It's hard for me to have hope for my quality of life to maintain MY sanity, as well as my families.  Any one going through the same or similar kind of situation??

Hi Beth!

My son was diagnosed with bipolar, mixed state, psychotic features, in 1999 when he was 11 years old.  That was after 4 years of thinking he had OCD, ADD, ADHD, or a host of other alphabet soup illnesses.  He has been stable on meds for the past 5 years or so, just needing "tweaking" of his doses of depakote and zyprexa over the years.  My concern is for his social development which seems to have stagnated at age 11!  My advice is to keep an eye on your son's social/emotional development and insist on help if you feel he is not progressing.  We now have a 17 year old 11year old, if you know what I mean.  He looks mature, but responds like a middle-schooler, and consequently has few friends, because he is so immature.

Good luck!  Be his strongest advocate in all issues!