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Post by jdmom on Sept 22, 2004 16:55:11 GMT -5
I have a friend who has twin boys in the first grade. Their diagnosis is ADHD, ODD, and bi-polar. They take 18 mgs of Concerta, and Risperdal(sp?). I'm not sure the dosage on the Risperdal.
Though she can tell a difference with the meds, she still has a lot of trouble with them. They are very emotional and tend to throw a lot of temper tantrums. She was talking to me today about asking the doctor to up their Concerta to 27 mgs. But it seems to me that the problems that she is having with them stem more from the bi-polar than the ADHD. I know very little about bi-polar, but haven't I heard somewhere that the ADHD meds tend to aggravate the bi-polar sypmtoms? Or is this not always the case? What about the ODD? I know her boys have seen several doctors and therapists....but when she is telling me about the problems that she has with them, it just seems like more of a bi-polar issue then an ADHD one. Would someone more knowledgable about bi-polar fill me in? I know that they have been on Paxil in the past and that did not work well for them.
BTW - I need to learn more about bi-polar as my nephew is in the process of being diagnosed as such. He and my sister live with me. Can anybody point me to some good resources? Thanks!
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Post by ohmama on Sept 22, 2004 18:06:36 GMT -5
There are some really good books out you can read on this subject or check out www.bpkids.orgYou are correct, the bipolar needs to be addressed before the adhd or the meds will aggravate the condition. It is necessary to give a mood stabilizer/anticonvulsant to accomplish this. You can sign up for a free bipolar newsletter from Dr. Janice and Demetri Papolos at www.bipolarchild.com |
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Post by Amsmom on Sept 23, 2004 6:11:56 GMT -5
right on ohmama!!! you've given jdmom the same info i would have given!!!  modified to add that my ds8 bipolar/adhd cannot take stimulants as they do increase the negative behaviors. |
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Post by jdmom on Sept 23, 2004 8:47:07 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, guys! What would I do without this place?   |
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Post by rosyred45 on Sept 23, 2004 10:30:32 GMT -5
Go Crazy  I know I would |
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jacobsma
New Member
Mom to 3 gorgeous boys Jacob 9yrs adhd/depression Chad 4yrs and Nathan 1yr
Posts: 16
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Post by jacobsma on Sept 28, 2004 9:01:35 GMT -5
My husband and I are positive Jacob is bi-polar. I have two aunts a cousin and my brother who have all been diagnosed as bp. Jacob's psych. said she wasn't comfortable diagnosing him as bp just yet, but not to be surprised if he is in the future. He fits everything I have read about bp to a T. He has another appointment with his psych in 2 weeks can I ask her for a re-eval? I just don't feel like his meds are helping much. His mood swings seem worse now then a few months ago when he wasn't on adderall. Thanks
Jen
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Post by rosyred45 on Sept 28, 2004 9:11:12 GMT -5
When was he last evaluation? I don't see what it would hurt, especially with a family history of it. At least it is acknowledged about the future.
Make sure to brin git to the attention and start to document times, places, activities that may possibly be triggering the mood swings. Be as specific as possible.
How long after the med was given?
Was the med to be given soon?
What reaction was initially setting him off?
If you have the documentation wil you that coul dvery well be a clue to the psych.
Take care
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Post by ohmama on Sept 28, 2004 9:19:19 GMT -5
I don't understand why he is on adderall if the psych suspects bipolar? I would ask that question.
Many doctors are hesitant to "label" or diagnose as bipolar. So, it would not do any good to push for that dx. Let her call it whatever she wants but have her give you a mood stabilizer and dump the Adderall. I think you will see major improvements once he is on the right medication.
Please read "Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medication for Kids, revised edition" by Dr. Wilens and take the book with you to show her some basic facts about meds.
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Post by Amsmom on Sept 28, 2004 14:30:09 GMT -5
jacobsma, my ds8 is bipolar/adhd. stims like adderall only make his negative behaviors worse. i would ask the psych to do a medication re-eval. can she see you any sooner than 2 weeks? she doesnt have to give an exact dx, but it does sound like he needs to get off the stims like my son did.
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Post by AnneM on Sept 28, 2004 15:30:05 GMT -5
Jacobsma .... just to reiterate what others are saying ... Although I don't have first hand knowledge of bipolar ... I have also always understood that if bipolar (or suspected bipolar) is present then the stims should NOT be given !! ...
I agree with Amsmom ... if would be good if you could get this evaluation done SOONER rather than LATER !!
GOOD LUCK!! Please keep us posted....
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