Bipolar Disorder & Medication
Dear Doctor,
We have been told that our eight year old has bipolar disorder.
The doctor we are seeing wants him on some drugs which are especially for this kind of problem. We have read about the medications and do not want to go that route, at least not now.
What is known about bipolar disorder in children and where could we get more information?
Waiting
Dear Waiting,
You are right to be thoughtful about an appropriate course of action.
It was not that many years ago that bipolar disorder was not diagnosed in children. In fact, the adult population in America was usually labeled schizophrenic. In Britain the same symptoms would cause a "manic depressive" diagnosis, the old term for bipolarity. Then "manic depressive" caught on here as well.
Some research, more pharmacological than behavioral, has been enthusiastically received where a childhood diagnosis of bipolar disorder is concerned. In my view the jury is still out. It has become a diagnosis which is all the rage and is resulting in children being placed on the same medications used for adults. Certainly the medications often work, but there are several possibilities that should be considered. (You might want to visit one website. www.PBS.org/FRONTLINE Click the prompts to get to the program on bipolar medication in children.)
First, some less problematic medications might be considered. Think of the old standby, that too all the rage, of ADD. Psychostimulants, used to treat ADD, might well address the problem behavior.
Second, think of behavior itself. Behavioral and cognitive plans often make a big difference for a child and the whole family. Before I reached for the medication, there would be a period of active cognitive/behavioral intervention. Ask your pediatrician for a referral.
Third, chart the behavior. See what it is related to. For example, many children are very difficult when school is in session but no problem during the summer. Bring the school into the over all equation.
Keep thinking and working. Remember, you are the best expert and the one on whom your child is depending.
Tags: behavioral intervention, bipolar, bipolar disorder in children, diagnosis of bipolar disorder, drugs, frontline, manic depressive, Medications
Leave a Comment