Suspecting bipolar in our 11 yo...what is the next step?..

[Tami]

what type of professional do we take her to to get a thorough evaluation? Is anybody dealing with a bipolar (or suspected) child? Additionally, she is ad/hd and has some social issues.

 

Any helpful books you would recommend?

[Ottakee]

What, if anything have you done so far?

 

I have a 12dd with bipolar and an 11dd with a mood disorder.

 

Someday, I am going to sit down and write this all down in an organized fashion so I can just cut and paste it.

 

http://www.bpkids.org

http://www.bipolarchild.com

the book, THE BIPOLAR CHILD (look for the newest version)

 

You need to find a TOP NOTCH pediatric pscychiatrist with a LOT of experience with mood disorders in kids. Doctors will less training might miss the bipolar or over diagnosis it and miss something else. Start searching and get on some waiting lists as some might take months to get into. Also, depending on where you live, you might have to drive 1-3 hours away to find a good doctor.

 

Meanwhile, go to your primary care doctor and get a full physical. Ask for blood work for THYROID (a big one that can affect mood), CBC, kidney and liver function, anemia, blood sugars, lipids, etc. Then if anything is off here you can address it. If not, you have the baseline blood work you would need IF medication is needed. At 11, hormone tests might make sense as well.

 

If there is any hint of seizures, see a pediatric neurologist. Complex partial seizures can look like bipolar or go with it. You want to rule out seizures before starting meds for bipolar.

 

Then you will likely need to see a neuropsychologist for testing--social stuff, ADD/ADHD, learning issues, etc. Again, these can take a while to get into so get on some waiting lists.

 

Google "pediatric bipolar treatment guidelines" and you should come up with a link to a long document that explains bipolar, the meds used, what combinations make sense, what to try when, side effects, etc. Print this out and start reading, highlighting, etc.

 

I would start tracking her symptoms every day using a mood chart or diary type log. Also note her sleep habits, what she is eating, etc. The more information you have for the doctor the better.

 

Also note any family history of mood disorders, depression, bipolar, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, nervous breakdowns, etc. Genetics are often heavily involved here.

 

What are you seeing that is concerning you? If you want, you can email me privately by clicking on my name as well.

 

Bipolar is kids is one of my personal soapbox issues as it is near and dear to my heart.

[Tami]

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