Make a connection, ask a question, share a concern, give advice or just chat. Our message boards connect you with a community of people who understand where you’re coming from and what you’re going through.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help me? I have a seven year old child who was diagnosed with ODD, because he was to young to be diagnosed with BP. He is seven now, when I had him tested he was six. I know he doesn't have ODD. That is just ridiculous! His doctor just tells me that he is to young to be diagnosed with BP, and will not start showing the signs of BP until later in life (my brother and cousin have already been diagnosed with BP.) My son (Zayn) has a real tough time controlling his emotions. One minute he is as sweet a pie sitting beside me and I will ask him a question. Just as quick as I can blink he is angry and growling at me. Just because I guess he was annoyed? I am not really sure what sets him off. My question can be as simple as how was your day or what did you do at school today? He gets this really scary look on his face. Its like the devil has taken over my sons body. I try not to back down from it and stand my ground. However, the older he gets the stronger he gets and I fear for my saftey. I dont want to fear my son and I do. Other times he talks about ending his life and will write me notes about wanting to kill himself. I explain to him what it means to kill himself and how he will never see his family. Sometimes he says good other times he crys and you really think you touched his heart. But, really you have not. I am really not sure what to do. I have 2 other children besides him and I don't want them to live in fear of him either. I just want to understand what he is feeling and what I can do to help him understand what he is feeling. It is an emotional rollercoaster and at times i feel like I have been defeated. Can someone please tell me the rollercoaster ride will come to an end!
I am so sorry for all that you are going through. My daughter is 13 and recently diagnosed with bipolar although we have known that her behavior was off the charts for a while. Our biggest mistake was not really listening to her. Most things she did we just tried not to give to much attention(lying, stealing, suicidial talk, cutting) to when in fact she was crying out for help. Unfortunately the counselors we were talking to were not accustomed to dealing with serious mental illness. It finally took a crisis which lead to a hospitalization to get her what she needed. The problems are not over but at least we have the right kind of help. Follow your instincts and find another doctor if you have to.
I have a 5 year old who was diagnosed with BP. At first as young as 2 he showed sighs of a disorder. Sencorey int disorder & Mood swings. I was then referred to a theropist she thought and still thinks he has ADHD. He has now developed signs of OCD , and hearing things witch i hear is common with BP. He has rapid BP He can have 6 - 12 ups and downs per day. He started a anti depressant and abilify to stabilize him and its still not working. I understand the ups and downs your son sounds alot like mine. They said my son was ODD to but ODD is part of being BP. I would get a second opinion. I hope by now things are going good for the 2 of you.
