kristen - 12/28/00 02:48:01
My Email:bishop@aiov.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Pat Shea - 12/26/00 05:21:05
My Email:SheaDPW
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Linda Morogiello - 12/23/00 19:55:07
My Email:aafdm@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has been diagnosed with many things since he was 10. Now that bipolar is one of the diagnosis, it seems that there are alot of support groups and information out there. We live in Texas and if anyone can recommend a summer camp for my son I would greatly appreciate it.

Hollie Workman - 12/20/00 20:39:55
My Email:HollieHMW@aol.com
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 3years and 13 years
How old is the child now?: 8 and 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
we go to more doctors than restaurants!

M L - 12/17/00 01:47:57
My Email:ml.peacor@verizon.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: ten
How old is the child now?: ten
Do you belong to a support group?: no, not yet

Comments:
I'm looking for a support group, both in person and on line.

Lori S - 12/16/00 03:27:47
My Email:lol05@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Our son has just been diagnosed this week with Bipolar Disorder. It has been a physically and emotionally exhausting year for us. We are looking for a support group or for families who have experienced similar issues around Oppostional and angry behavio s and difficulty with peer relations and in school setting.

Marcie - 12/12/00 15:12:41
My Email:mmtambone@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
I would very much like to be part of a support group. I was happy to fine this site as it is a good spring board for finding more info on line.

Mark Anthony Turner - 12/12/00 11:53:53
My Email:mlturner@warwick.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my child was misdiagnosed with adhd in 1995

Michelle - 12/11/00 21:29:56
My Email:friarsfunkhouser@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 8 (just diagnosed last week)
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, terrified, and trying to find ways to deal with this.

Cindy - 12/11/00 21:02:06
My Email:cfrankel@ph.mail.co.alameda.ca.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am seeking other families in Northern CA - San Francisco and Bay Area who have BP kids to create a support group and local advocacy group. I would also like to get in touch with the Nick Traina foundation. Please contact me if you have information.

Cindy - 12/11/00 21:01:31
My Email:cfrankel@ph.mail.co.alameda.ca.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am seeking other families in Northern CA - San Francisco and Bay Area who have BP kids to create a support group and local advocacy group. I would also like to get in touch with the Nick Traina foundation. Please contact me if you have information.

Angela - 12/09/00 19:14:12
My Email:angmoore@msn.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
My son is taking Depakote 250mg twice per day, but is in a Manic State right now. He is very bright, but is currently failing his classes. We have an ARD meeting this week to discuss putting him in a Behavior Modification Program at the school which I h pe will help. This illness is VERY frustrating - Thanks for offering such informative articles!

kathy burke-covitz - 12/09/00 16:31:00
My Email:burkovitz@erols.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: this summer
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
my son has been in therapy since he was 21/2 and has been diagnosed adhd,odd,separation anxiety,tourettes,food allergies,depression,etc. he's been on at least a dozen medications.he was hospitalized for the summer,diagnosed bipolar and is doing well on se oquel and buspar.also have a daughter who was diagnosed with depresssion at age 5;she is now 10.

Breanne - 12/07/00 14:58:58
My Email:bremeyer@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
We don't know what's wrong with our son. Possibly Tourette's, ODD, Depression, Bipolar. His doctors aren't sure. He's taking Risperdal and Pamelor.

Melanie Jonesq - 12/06/00 21:58:40
My Email:necs59@netzero.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am trying to learn everything that I can so that I can help my son.

Tim Casey - 12/06/00 19:04:11
My URL:http://www.caseyclan.homestead.com
My Email:TCasey7@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: Not for bipolar
Is the support group in person or on line?: see below

Comments:
My son's primary diagnosis is Asperger Syndrome, he has also been diagnosed with BP and ADD. I am more involved in AS support groups both online and in person. I also have an 11 year old daughter with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and a possible LD. Thanks for being here! I visited in order to help a friend get some support. I recommend OASIS - http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/ if you know anyone that has a child with AS.

Cheyenne Warner - 12/06/00 19:01:37
My Email:shywarner@icqmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: six
How old is the child now?: six
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am looking for a supprot group, but can't seem to kind a good one??

Judy Long - 12/06/00 14:54:14
My Email:Judi375@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
He is driving me to depression. I have no hope. I live with being abused by him every day. We cannot control him. I need help.

Marty Roberts - 12/05/00 15:29:53
My URL:http://www.windsofchange.com
My Email:robertsm@together.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: no
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
Hello, You have a wealth of innformation here. I am a director of the Winds of Change website for adults with bipolar disorder and their significant others. We have a number of parents of teens and younger children in our support group. I refer people to your site all the time. We have a teen message board, and have just started a moderated mailing list, called Storm Riders, for young people from age 9 up. We hope this will meet a need. To subscribe, go to http:www.egroups.com/group/winds-storm-riders We hope that you would be willing to list this on your page. You have as the link to Pendulum Resources an old address for our site. You might want to check on the current address for Pendulum, and also we would appreciate being linked under our current address, http://www.windsofchange.com. Thank you. Marty Roberts

jillian hartley - 11/30/00 21:12:40
My Email:HARTEC@xtra.co.nz
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14.5 years
How old is the child now?: 15 this month
Do you belong to a support group?: no-thats what I'm looking for
Is the support group in person or on line?: in nz if possible

Comments:


linnette - 11/28/00 19:39:36
My Email:linnette421@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my daughter is on neurontin three timmes a day 800mg each she is very manic this medicine is not helping her at all she goes to behavorial school she is very loud andswears alot every word that comes out of her mouth is dirty when she gets angry and its o er she cant stop she goes on and on and on any help out there im at the end of my rope i dont know how else i can help her

Karen Savage - 11/27/00 19:29:45
My Email:ksavage@enc.k12.il.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 - 10 years
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes, I run one
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:


Karen Savage - 11/27/00 19:29:39
My Email:ksavage@enc.k12.il.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 - 10 years
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes, I run one
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:


Karen Savage - 11/27/00 19:29:37
My Email:ksavage@enc.k12.il.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 - 10 years
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes, I run one
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:


Beth Jennings - 11/27/00 13:48:36
My Email:gradyjennings@myexcel.com

Comments:
I am a school social worker and we have, in recent months, been encountering more and more young children being diagnosed as bipolar. There doesn't seem to be alot of information but we are looking for as much as we can get. Thank you.

Kimberly Antonioli - 11/24/00 17:27:07
My Email:kakymba@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Three Years Old
How old is the child now?: Five Years Old
Do you belong to a support group?: Yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: In Person

Comments:
I found out about this site through a seminar of Dr. Papolos. Thank you for your site.

laura - 11/24/00 00:16:42
My Email:antlollipop@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 17
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
brian was just diagnosed and I am at my wits end

Diane - 11/22/00 23:15:01
Do you have a bipolar child?: diagnosis not complete
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have read some of the book The Bipolar Child. At home observing my son, I can a mark off 99% of the red flags for bipolar. I am searching the net for more info. I am so glad I found this page. Today our Dr. would not say flat out bipolar but she did say Psychotic and mania, and bizzare behavior.

LaRee Treece - 11/21/00 01:29:48
My URL:juno.com
My Email:reebug@juno,com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9yrs
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


diane mcloyd - 11/20/00 20:35:07
My Email:dmcloyd@smdc.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: tentative @7, definite now
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no, still looking

Comments:
As a nurse and a parent, sites like this help to fulfill my need for information so that I can better advocate for my daughter.

Cheryl - 11/19/00 19:42:25
My Email:daniel-cd@home.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: online(bp teen & parents)
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:


JONELL EMMICK - 11/16/00 21:08:33
My Email:JONELLEMMICK@AOL.COM OR JONELL EMMICK@CUSTOMAUDIOVIDEO.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: NO NONE AVAILABLE IN KENTUCK AT THIS TIME

Comments:
MY CHILD HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR THE 4TH TIME JUST THIS MONTH. WE HAVE NOT HAD A LOT OF SUCCESS WITH MEDICATIONS OR DOCTORS IN THIS AREA. THE IS ONLY 1 MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL IN THIS AREA. I JUST RELEASED HIM AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE DUE TO THE STAFF P TTING HIM IN A THERAPUTIC HOLD AND LEAVING BRUSIES ON HIS BODY AND CHOKE MARKS AROUND HIS NECK BY PULLING ON HIS SHIRT EACH TIME HE TRIED TO MOVE WHILE IN A HOLD. HE LOOKED AS IF HE HAD BEEN CHOKED WITH A CORD. AFTER TRYING TO GET THE DOCTOR TO CALL ME OR A WEEK I FINALLY RELEASED HIM MY SELF AND CALLD THE SOCIAL SERVICE OFFICE HERE. I NEED SOME ADVICE AS TO GOOD HOSPITALS, DOCTORS, AND LEGAL ADVICE TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF THINGS HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSES KIDS. ANY INFORMATION WOLD BE DEEPLEY APPRECIA ED. I AM AT MY WITTS END AND FEEL AS THOUGH I CAN NOT TAKE MUCH MORE MYSELF. I AM A SINGLE PARENT, AND MY SONS FATHER HAS ABBONDONED HIM SINCE HE WAS 1. IF ANY ONE HAS ANY INFORMATION, PLEASE PASS IT ALONG.

Chris Clackum - 11/16/00 17:20:21
My Email:kris0168@msn.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no, but are looking
Is the support group in person or on line?: neither

Comments:
I have sent an e-mail for the listserve. I am looking for advice and techniques to continue with an already long ongoing effort to give my daughter some peace for her and the family.

Ellen Smith - 11/15/00 20:10:47
My Email:ellenjane10@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: No

Comments:
I am an educator looking for information on classroom management strategies that help bipolar children. Please e-mail if you can help. Thanks.

Kris Guiles - 11/15/00 18:46:08
My Email:krisg22586@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: trying to diagnos
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


ideen doctor - 11/15/00 14:54:14
My Email:docschoice2000@aol.,
Do you have a bipolar child?: two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boys
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


ideen doctor - 11/15/00 14:53:48
My Email:docschoice2000@aol.,
Do you have a bipolar child?: two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boys

Comments:


ideen doctor - 11/15/00 14:53:35
My Email:docschoice2000@aol.,
Do you have a bipolar child?: two

Comments:


ideen doctor - 11/15/00 14:53:00
My Email:docschoice2000@aol.,

Comments:


ideen doctor - 11/15/00 14:51:36

Comments:


mary sydlewski - 11/12/00 20:15:10
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes,possibly 2
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15<13>
How old is the child now?: 15<13>
Do you belong to a support group?: trying to get into one online

Comments:
Its been a nightmare,,,these meds... I have had two breakdowns myself so its very hard to deal with with I am so fragile too.

Sandi Frint - 11/11/00 03:54:50
My Email:sfrint@bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: On line

Comments:
We are in the throes of "take-and-wait" with medications to help my daughter. She is currently on several medications. She has ultra-ultra rapid cycling, although since her last hospitalization in October, her swings seem to be lasting longer and longer. er mania is progessively getting more and more out of control. She is currently hospital/homebound schooled. She has a very difficult time with homework. Her regular school just completed all the testing for her IEP. The next step is evaluating the inform tion, formalating a plan and labeling her for services. I really am trying to put together information for her school so that they may understand what we are dealing with. They have admitted to never having dealt with this type of disorder and always seem appreciative of whatever information I can supply.

Amy Thatcher-Benza - 11/10/00 15:46:31
My Email:artbenza@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
Thank you. This is an extremely well organized and information packed site!

LaRee Treece - 11/10/00 12:47:34
My URL:http://reebug@juno.com
My Email:reebug@juno,com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: age 9
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
i would like to know how i can help my son in school and to have a happy life living with him can be so stessful . i am a single parent and it just gets to be to muchsome times i need more resources.

Deb Beasley - 11/09/00 19:00:23
My Email:librarydragon1@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: Just starting to look for support groups.

Comments:
After 16 years of hell things are suddenly making sense. I'm full of guilt, remorse, and anger. I fear for my sons' future and my own sanity.

kami klena - 11/09/00 03:47:46
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 9.5
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
It took alot of perserverance for us to get the appropriate help and diagnosis, but it has been worth it. Ever since kendra has been taking her medication, she has had much success in every thing she attempts and she feels good too. I wish the best of l ck to other people who have to go through this as the diagnosed and as their parents!

kami klena - 11/09/00 03:47:38
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 9.5
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
It took alot of perserverance for us to get the appropriate help and diagnosis, but it has been worth it. Ever since kendra has been taking her medication, she has had much success in every thing she attempts and she feels good too. I wish the best of l ck to other people who have to go through this as the diagnosed and as their parents!

Angela Minford - 11/08/00 21:02:14
My URL:http://bellsouth.net
My Email:jminford@bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Patti Black - 11/08/00 18:27:45
My Email:pblack@apotex.ca
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15 1/2
How old is the child now?: 15 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: none around us

Comments:
I have just found out that my daughter has bi-polar. We have been on an emotional roller coaster with her for the last 8 months. Her lack of confidence, hating school, depression, anger, etc. seemed to come from no where about 8 months ago. Her teacher have all but written her off as she has been skipping school and at 15 1/2 years old they say she is too old for help in the school system and if she does not stop skipping they will kick her out when she turns 16. Coming from Canada (Cambridge, Ontario there does not seem to be much help or support for parents and children with behavior problems. I have talked to so many people asking for help from somewhere but all I get is - there is really nothing there. I am amazed at what seems to be out there fo parents and children in the States. I commend you!!!! I have read some articles regarding IEP and IDEA. There are similar programs here in Canada including IEP. However the red tape etc in the school system hampers any positive progress. I sent a le ter to the school board the beginning of this year and asked that my daughter be tested and an Individual Educational Plan be put in place. This has not been done and it looks like we will have to go to a private institution for testing. I have been told that by law the school has to test my daughter and put in place an IEP and have her file IPRC'd. All I am getting is the run-around and because my daughter has been what they consider "not a model student" they are focussing on that. Like I mentioned above, I commend the USA for all the support groups and associations out there to help parents with children who have problems. Keep up the fantastic work. I have pulled a lot of information from this site and I hope it will help me und rstand Bi Polar better. Thanks Patti Black

Janice Warpool - 11/06/00 23:30:00
My Email:LWarpool@Bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5years
How old is the child now?: 121\2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
This is my niece, she has bipola disease and we are having problems handling her. she gets in troble at school \ home. hard to get along with others and don't want to mind.

Janice Warpool - 11/06/00 23:29:50
My Email:LWarpool@Bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5years
How old is the child now?: 121\2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
This is my niece, she has bipola disease and we are having problems handling her. she gets in troble at school \ home. hard to get along with others and don't want to mind.

Janice Warpool - 11/06/00 23:29:41
My Email:LWarpool@Bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5years
How old is the child now?: 121\2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
This is my niece, she has bipola disease and we are having problems handling her. she gets in troble at school \ home. hard to get along with others and don't want to mind.

Donna MIller - 11/06/00 23:25:02

Comments:


Nancy - 11/05/00 22:06:54
My Email:wnstein@ntcnet.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Leanne Lee - 11/05/00 11:58:56
My URL:http://skynary.com/leannelee
My Email:leelee039@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not diagnosed bipolar yet
How old is the child now?: 13 yrs. today
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
I'm looking for information and help w/ my 13 year old. He has been diagnosed ADHD since the age of five and and within the last 2 years diagnosed oppositional defiance order. He has spent at least 2 yrs. hospitalized at a psychiatrict hospital here and is currently in a day treatment program. He has been on countless different medications (all of which don't seem to be working), and seems as if he is just getting worse. He is running wild. He is totally out of control and I just don't know what to do He doesn't live w/ me because I couldn't handle the stress and he is currently living between his dad's home and grandma's. I had a feeling that my son is manic and after visiting your site, that feeling is much stronger. I plan to fill out this quest onaire and take it to whoever will listen to me so that maybe my son will be finally able to get the correct treatment that he very much is in need of. I never realized that there were others going through similar experiences with their children as we are and I am just blown away! I thought that my son was the only one and I thought that he was beyond help. Thank you for putting up such an informative ite and God Bless You. I also believe that I may be manic. I have suffered from depression since the age of 12 and had been hospitalized numerous times for suicidal attempts. I have been on countless medications all of which didn't seem to help and at least now maybe I can fi ally get the correct treatment that I am deperately in need of! =) A big Mahalo (thank you) to you! Aloha

Trisha Mclellan - 11/04/00 22:30:23
My Email:trishmac64@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10 years
How old is the child now?: 10 years
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My husband and I have been dealing with the special needs of our daughter since she was an infant. She has been under a Psychiatrist care since she was 6 years, on stimulants and anti-depressants without much success. We recently had to admit her to an npatient treatment facility where they recommended some books on Bipolar disorder. It was like reading about OUR daughter. We are interested in support and advice. Have subscribed to the listserv, so we'll see what happens. Thanks for having this avai able. It's nice to know we are not alone.

Kim Patton - 11/03/00 19:12:04
My Email:Joydance6@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no,I need one!
Is the support group in person or on line?: na

Comments:


Carol J. Van Gordon - 11/02/00 06:42:03
My Email:cjvang@gte.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: 2 grandchildren in home
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: one of each
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7 and 8
How old is the child now?: 10 and 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Our 10 yearold (grand)son, who we have had full guardianship of since he was 2, was hospitalized the first time this September for attempting to jump out of my moving van two times on the way to his therapist appointment. Between the ages of 7 and 8 he a tempted suicide 8 times. His 11 (almost 12) year old sister seems to be coming into a more stable time. She is helpful, cheerful, conversational and LOVES middle school. She says its great to be one of the popular people. She has been asked by 7 boys to go on a date. she has urned them all down. We have been in the Dallas area for seven years and have had to change insurance plans 3 or 4 times. Each one requiring a change of psychariatris. Our new plan (9-1-00) allows us to go out of network if we want to pay higher co-insurance and co-pay fees. They did make the new psychariatris in plan for us because of the multiple psychological and physical problems of the kids and because their pedia ric neurologist recommended that we use her. I am now reading THE BIPOLAR CHILD and I am looking forward to being able to talk with others living with these loving, challenging children.

Janice Warpool - 10/30/00 04:38:25
My Email:L Warpool@Bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I need some help in discipline my son, everything I seemed to do is not right. The doctor wants me to come to some parent meetings, I thought that would be a good way. If you can't reach me that way write me. 94 Gilibreath Rd Boaz, Al 35957

Janice Warpool - 10/30/00 04:38:14
My Email:L Warpool@Bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I need some help in discipline my son, everything I seemed to do is not right. The doctor wants me to come to some parent meetings, I thought that would be a good way. If you can't reach me that way write me. 94 Gilibreath Rd Boaz, Al 35957

- 10/26/00 20:16:12
My Email:stacybug01@home.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
very frustrated right now. Dylan is my stepston, whom i love very much. i had never even heard of bipolar disorder before i knew him. unfortunelty we had to change psychyatrists since the one that diagnosed him moved out of state. the new doctor did n t buy the bipolar diagnosis so he has been treating him for adhd for the last 6 weeks. Dylan has become paranoid, depressed and had some very violent rages. i just got Dr. Papolos' book and am outraged that this doctor is prescribing stimulants and anti depressents. i feel like a horrible person for not knowing this was wrong for him! i am so glad to know we are not alone!

sonya gentry - 10/26/00 17:51:24
My Email:ptjohndenverfan1@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


sonya gentry - 10/26/00 17:50:22
My Email:ptjohndenverfan1@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes

Comments:


Karyn Lynch - 10/25/00 22:16:47
My Email:karynlynch1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
If you have any information or pamplets that would be useful, do you think you could send them to me at: 3215 N. Senseney CR Clarksville, TN 37042 Thanks, Karyn Lynch

Julie Jankowski - 10/25/00 16:16:02
My Email:dmjjmj@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no.. looking

Comments:
My son was only diagnosed 2 1/2 weeks ago. He was diagnosed ADD a year ago. Now we have bipolar/auditory hallucinations/ and ADD. I'm on the roller coaster.. but I really wish I knew there was an end or at least a smaller coaster to this. We're on the mam oth one at the moment.

Marlene Elliott - 10/23/00 14:51:28
My Email:mmedis@rit.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I have been trying to contact the address listed here to sign up for the listserv for WEEKS. It doesn't work. I really need some support can someone please send me some email and tell me how to get connected?!?!!!

Bev H - 10/23/00 01:31:05
My URL:http://www.csfpa.org
My Email:Bev@csfpa.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes, foster child
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
Read about your group in the Book BiPolar CHildren. It was great to know that what I was experiencing was not just my child. I've tried very hard to maintain this child in my home since he turned 11. He's almost 14. The police have been here often. I m looking for ways to work with him when he starts to loose control.

Diana Dean - 10/18/00 03:58:21
My Email:4deans@netnitco.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
My husband and son are both bi-polar. My husband was diagnosed in 1997 and my son just a few months ago this yr. (2000) It's been a big ball of fun. (Sarcasm)

kristy aguilar - 10/17/00 13:08:36
My Email:5boys99@ivillage.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5 and 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
I havent had alot of time to look over your site yet but what i have seen so far i really like. My 8 yr. old is only one of five boys, three of which have special needs. I am going to keep visiting here and hope to get some good info. Thanks

John A. LeMoine - 10/13/00 12:32:15
My Email:jalemoine@att.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: none

Comments:
It is very difficult to find a support on the south side of the Denver Metro area!

Yolanda Nizer - 10/13/00 00:18:10
My Email:Ynizer@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I need help adjustying to my son's train of thoughts and impulsivity. He needs help adn I fel like a failure. I don't know how to help him.

Cynthia Boles - 10/12/00 02:35:23
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
Very interesting site, and quite helpful. I'm a college student doing an analytical research report on this issue. I also came to this site to learn more about the issue.

Diana Josephson - 10/11/00 16:11:32
My Email:diana1sbq
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: both
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:


Laura Allec - 10/09/00 22:32:34
My Email:oowah64@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yet diagnosed
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
We are getting my daughter home from the hospital today. They are basically telling us that we don't set good enough limits and there is nothing wrong with her. I can't believe this is true. Our home is not perfect, but her behavior doesn't fit with th t description. I guess we keep searching for help.

Becky Webb - 10/08/00 23:31:19
My Email:rebeko@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
I just found this site from THE BIPOLAR CHILD. We are so fortunate, we were already in therapy due to rages & he was diagnosed by a phycologist who actually knows about the disease. Early testing for ADD said he was not, so we didn't have to go thru tha . This site is so helpful just to know we are not alone. He is stable after two years of zoloft, but I hold my breath knowing that that can precipitate problems later. His father is bipolar so I know some of what to look forward to. God bless you all.< r>
E - 10/08/00 16:26:23
Do you have a bipolar child?: dx as mood disorder
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:
Reading the comments on this site is enlightening, and hopefully someday will be reassuring. I am emotionally drained after going through 7 straight days of mood cycling with my daughter. Usually, I get a break for a few days to refuel and gain new pers ective. We are about to start Tegretol and come off Depakote. In the past medication changes have been difficult. HOpefully it will be OK this time. Although, now we have a whopping dose of puberty mixed in with this all. I just don't believe that th s illness will ever be controlled. I am trying to gather the strength needed to get everyone in my family through this. It just doesn't seem to be working today.

KARLA - 10/06/00 15:49:24
My Email:LADYTOWER@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: GIRL
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I AM SO WORRIED ABOUT PUBERTY HITTING.IT HAS BEEN HARD ENOUGH TO GET WHERE WE ARE NOW.AND THANKS TO YOU FOR LETTING PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

Brandy - 10/06/00 01:47:37
My Email:Ibthetigger2@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
It is nice to know that I am not alone. My child has been talking about dying since he was 5 and always been hard to control. Thank you for this website.

Judy Gray - 10/05/00 13:52:20
My Email:jgray@nfinity.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: not sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am reading The Bipolar Child and am worried-my son has been taking Wellbutrin for a few years now and I think that he may be bipolar. (My father is bipolar and on lithium.) Our child psychiatrist shrugs off my questions about whether or not my son could be bipolar, about light therary, etc. and we don't know what to do! Help! My husband and I are going to bring in this questionaire and the book to talk to our doctor, but is there any way to find a doctor who treats children with bipolar in the Omaha, N area? Thank you, thank you for your help!

Bonnie - 10/05/00 02:04:19
My Email:BonLyn2You@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: Bpparents
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
This is the most wonderful site, much needed by people that need information and to unload, from their daily trials, as there are few tribulations in this area.

Paul Schneider - 10/02/00 21:53:06
My Email:stptr1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: male
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I heard about this site from Dr. Papolos's book.

Autumn - 09/28/00 05:22:06
My Email:griffwaga@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:


Gina Burke - 09/28/00 01:39:36
My Email:HappyGoLucky@Juno
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 4yrs
How old is the child now?: 8yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: THERE ARE NONE!!!!!!!!!
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:
I`LL MAKE THIS AS SHORT AS I CAN. MY DAUGHTER`S NAME IS SARA,SHE STARTED RITELIN AT 4YRS OF AGE. TO TREAT HER ADHD WHICH SEEMS TO GO HAND IN HAND WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER. 1-1/2YRS LATER STOPPED THE RITELIN, FOLLOWED BY CYLERT CHEWABLES FOR 1-1/2YRS. IT WAS REAT AT FIRST. SHE STARTED GETTING REAL EMOTIONAL AND WAS HAVING WHAT THE DOCTOR SAID WAS SEPERATION ANXIETY. IT WAS AWFUL FOR HER. SO WE DISCONTINUED THAT. WHAT REALLY SUCKS!!!! IS AFTER A PERIOD OF MANY FLU AND SUCH VIRUSES SHE HAD TO BE ADMITTED TO CHI DRENS HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELS. AND LATER TO FIND OUT THAT OUR SARA HAS A RARE DESIESE CALLED APLASTIC ANEMIA WHICH IS RARELY CURED! IT CAN GO INTO REMISSION BUT IS ALSO KNOWN TO COME BACK. MANY MANY CHILDREN HAVE DIED. OUR SARA IS CURRENTLY IN TREATMENT SI CE OF APRIL 2000. THE REASON FOR ALL THIS !!!! SHE TOOK CYLERT (ADHD MEDICATION) IN FINE PRINT UNDER RARE SIDE AFFECTS WAS " THERE IS 1% CHANCE TO COTRACT APLASTIC ANEMIA (A BONE MARROW FAILURE) SO BECAUSE WE TRUSTED OUR DOCTOR SHE IS NOW NO LONGER AT THI TIME ABLE TO TAKE ANY MEDS. NOT EVEN VITAMINS! SHE IS CURRENTLY AT FIRST GRADE LEVEL BUT IN 3 GRADE IN SPECIAL DAY CLASS WELL I COULD GO ON WITH THE CARE SHE NEEDS HER CYCLE CHANGES, OUTBURSTS, SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS,HER INSECURITIES (FEELING UNLOVED) SCARED TO SLEEP BY HERSELF, NIGHTMARES. HOW MUCH SHOULD OR DOES OUR CHILDREN HAVE TO GO THROUGH AND THE PARENTS WHO`S MARRIAGE`S FALL APART OUR CHILDREN NEED BOTH PARENTS IN CRISIS LIKE THESE.AS I`M SURE ALL OF YOU PARENTS (INCLUDING MYSELF) HAVE LOOKED TILL YOU COULD LOOK NO MORE TO FIND ABSOLUTLY NOT A DAMN THING!!!!!!!!! PLEASE PARENTS OUT THERE BE CAREFUL INVESTIGATE ALL MEDICATIONS. AND DO PUT YOUR CHILD IN SOME KIND OF COUNSELING. THIER OWN NOT FOR YOU TO SHARE THEY NEED TO FEEL THEY ALSO HAVE A PLACE TO GO BOY THAT FELT GOOD FOR ME TO GET OUT!!! THINKING OF ALL OF YOU WE SOMEHOW WILL MAKE IT . I`LL WRITE BACK AFTER WE GET BACK FROM SARA`S VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL TOMARROW. MOST SINCERLY GINA

Gina Burke - 09/28/00 00:31:22

Comments:


Patricia - 09/26/00 22:43:06
My Email:ltlfoote64@seeyouonline.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My child has just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, severe add, odd. He is presently in the hospital.

Terri - 09/26/00 01:45:59
My Email:PTSAustin@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:
How do I find/start a support group in my area? Can bp be dealt with WITHOUT heavy medications? How do I help my child get to sleep at night (he's terrified!!...)?

Deborah Seifert - 09/26/00 00:25:33
My Email:dseifertmail@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
My child lives in a residential group facility. We had to give up custody to the state of Georgia to get him treatment. We would like to participate in any studies regarding this kind of issue.

Marlene Elliott - 09/22/00 17:21:48
My Email:mmedis@rit.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Stephen Boulton - 09/22/00 04:44:37
My Email:BMAN.956@worldnet.att.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm scared to death to make the wrong decision(s)for my child. He was recently diagnosed with bipolar, and I'm afraid to put him on meds....He is already on aderall for add/adhd. Informative web-site! Thanks! Stevie B

Mary - 09/21/00 03:01:07
My Email:mrm924@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has been treated for ADHD since he was 5. The meds seem to do more harm than good the last few years. I read that bipolar children should not be treated with stimulants but our doctor doesn't agree. The school system is not supportive either. I n ed to find help!

Cindy Frankel - 09/20/00 23:37:35
My Email:cfrankel@ph.mail.co.alameda.ca.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I now have the journey of my life. My son was on Lithium for 2 months..we couldn't keep the levels right, now we're in the midst of changing meds...But, as we decide what to do next, a huge obstacle exists which is my ex-husband who also is bipolar...I ne d friends but also want to help others.

Tifini - 09/20/00 06:12:25
My Email:mr.orme@netzero.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Does anyone have some good ideas on what to ask for as far as support from the schools? My son has a "Section 504" so the school is required to give assistance. They don't know what to do and I don't know what to ask for. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thank You Tifini

angela hewes - 09/19/00 20:23:38
My Email:flybigrl@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes 4
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 3 girls,1 boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13,6,6,3
How old is the child now?: 13,8,6,4
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
i am 24 years old and i am the mother of 4 bi polar children.i quit work two years ago to care for them. it has been a very hard struggle but it is nice to know there are others out there. especially since no one else understands. i have people stop me in the store and tell me i should try disciplining my children so they wont be such brats.people can be very rude.i would love to meet others with my struggles.my 8 year old has attempted suicide 5 times.at age 6 he was hospitalized because he tried to stab is sister and myself.

Debbie - 09/19/00 09:05:17
My Email:msusair@pacbell.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
in addition to this child and our constant struggles with school and meds... I am having problems with my three other children also. I have all of them now on meds for ADD/ADHD, depression, impulsivity, learning disabilities etc... I am also a single pa ent and struggling to get by. I am finding out as much as possible from this site to help us all to understand.

connie - 09/18/00 23:41:16
My Email:donovan14@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 17
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
thank you.

A Campbell - 09/12/00 23:18:46
My Email:alcjec@tacnet.missouri.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
I am a speech language pathologist working in a small school. We have had a child move into our district with diagnosis of bipolar. He has several in language that I will be addressing. I feel it is necessary to know all I can about this disorder so I ca be affective to this child. Your web site has alot of good information. Thanks

Carol Niekerk - 09/11/00 03:19:10
My Email:carolynn@eircom.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: NO--LOOKING

Comments:
LOOKING TO TALK TO OTHER PARENTS THAT ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME CHALLENGES THAT I AM... CAROLYN

Joy - 09/09/00 14:33:13
My Email:dsilberman@mn.state.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Reading "The Bipolar Child" and looking for support.

Veronica McKenzie - 09/09/00 12:51:00
My Email:veronica 71169@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6yrs
How old is the child now?: 6yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
i would like to be part of a support group because i feel like i'm the only one w/ this problem. We left the state of Indiana because of all the grief we were getting and now we're in Florida. My son was diagnosed wrong for the past 3 yrs. and i'm needing emotional help w. myself for my son gets help thru me , doctors, and teachers. if u know how to help me a little about any of this please help.

clyde leake - 09/08/00 14:34:40
My Email:cdl-cal@ponyexpress.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
i work in mental health. i found your web page while surfing for information about bipolar disorder that i could use for an education group for adults. i also have contact with a children's psychiatric treatment program. the information you have provid d may be very helpful to patients and families receiving treatment where i work. thanks. cdl

Donna - 09/07/00 05:38:19
My Email:Evergreengirl1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Recently diagnosed..... Though we always knew there was something different. (pretty much since infancy) Just trying to make sence of it all. Trying to understand and deal with things the best we can. Undoubtedly... this will be the hardest and most important job that I (all of us) a will ever do as parents. Any advice would be appreciated.

Brenda Bollet - 09/07/00 05:32:51
My Email:Randybren@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I suspect so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Second round of testing underway
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm at an end to how much more emotional and mental abuse I can take. I'm told there are links to hypo-/hyper-thyroidism as a trigger to mental illness. Any clues on that? I just don't have any energy left to open yet another book in search of answers. I believe in my heart that I cannot have a constructive effect on my child and that she needs to be anywhere but here. Her rage is SO huge and has done horrible damage to our home and family, but we have failed over and over again to find a way to reach her. She doesn't experience remorse, having suffered a bonding break when she was kidnapped by her sociopath biological mother at age 2 1/2. It goes on and on until I am just sick of the whole subject. I lock my other children in my bedroom with me and my can of pepper spray when this child has gone to bed close on the heels of a raging episode. We have sent her away in handcuffs twice to protect the rest of our family. Options that are out there are out of reach for one reason or another. I'm prayin that her testing will offer some clue as to how to proceed - residential care, juvenile boot camp, alternative schooling, wilderness camp???? Too young, too much money, no criminal record (yet), seems fine at school... Good grief the obstacles are endles . I don't feel like I can even trust myself to control my responses to the abuse much of the time. I strike out faster than I can even take a breath, much less think. I'm afraid of her and she revels in that power. When I refuse to respond to her, she acc lerates. I know by God's grace, there is another parent out there who has been in this same boat. I also know that giving up is not in my nature, but what will that cost me. Perhaps you can connect me with someone, ANYONE who has been where I am? Please? Brenda Bollet Grants Pass, OR I know this isn't a support group and there may not be one until she's diagnosed. Right now she's diagnosed oppositional defiant disorder, with strong family background of mental illness. She's in puberty now and cycling faster than ever before. Is there such a thing as respite care for these kids? Does anyone know? I just can't make myself make one more dead-end phonecall.

Tammy Folaron - 09/06/00 21:44:38
My Email:Tamilyn2@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7years
How old is the child now?: 7years
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Jeremy has been diagnosed when he was 3 for ADHD as my older (12yrs) daugher isADHD. I have always known he was different but I didn't know how to handle him. I have felt alone and afraid at times. I am hoping this medication is going to help.

Kristen Atwood - 09/06/00 04:45:27
My Email:tkcatwood@earthlink.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:
I have so many unanswered questions about this disorder and I have no one to talk to who has been there with their child. The most pressing issue today for me is that my husband's company has decided it cannot afford to carry any health insurance effectiv immediately. I cannot afford all of my daughter's treatment without insurance. I have not found any carriers that will pay for any of her treatment for her disorder,she could be denied coverage completely because of this preexisting condition, and the ti e is two years before they will cover anything preexisting and then the premiums are out of sight. I was blind sided by this so I did not have any notice to get as much done as I could or have other insurance before we lost this coverage. If you can help r give many any insight on who to contact I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. Krsten Atwood

LAUREN KENEFICK - 09/05/00 21:02:10
My Email:CLANKENEFICK91@HOTMAIL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
Do you belong to a support group?: NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

Comments:
I AM NEW AT THIS AND COULD USE SOME REALLY GOOD ADVICE, AM READING THE BIPOLAR CHILD AT THIS TIME.

Ralph Vega - 09/05/00 11:43:04
My Email:vegatax@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:


Joy - 09/03/00 03:35:07
My Email:dsilberman@mn.state.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Debbie - 09/01/00 21:53:37
My Email:remods@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: age 3 - ADHD
How old is the child now?: age 5
Do you belong to a support group?: CHADD/behavior.com
Is the support group in person or on line?: both

Comments:


- 08/31/00 04:54:56

Comments:


Shelly Kihnke - 08/31/00 02:44:42
My Email:SKihnke@bethany.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: neither

Comments:
My child is not only bipolar... but he is also RAD and ADHD and ODD... simply put... he is quite a handful but can also be quite sweet and loving. Your site has been very helpful... it would also be useful to have articles on the difference between ADHD, BP and RAD that would assist both professional and parent.

Karen Lubin - 08/30/00 04:24:30
My Email:PTANews372@Aol
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Thank you for this site! We need all the help we can get

Jennifer Clark - 08/28/00 03:01:30
My Email:mellowJC@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: not yet
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 7 months
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am a conserned mother. I read some where that I read some where that bipoler is a mental illness that can be passed on to your children. We have just found out that my sons father has been diagnosed, after trying to kill himself. So i am trying to fi d out everything that i can so that if my son has a chance of having it to i will know what to do. Thank you for your time.

Debbie and Dave Collom - 08/28/00 01:19:37
My Email:ddcollom@worldnet.att.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes I believe so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: hasn't yet
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
We are becomeing desperate and our family suffers greatly from the stress of this child. We have always had a very strong marrage and I hope we will in spite of this.

Sandi Nadeau - 08/25/00 07:40:22
My Email:nadeasa@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:


Robin Batson - 08/25/00 00:01:05
My Email:rbatson@awod.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Not sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10 years
How old is the child now?: 10 years
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I found your website to be the most informative I came across for adolescent bipolar. I'm sure I will be visiting it many more times. My son has been under a Doctors care since he was 3 years old, just this week for the first time has his Doctor confirmed that he is Bipolar. Although he has mentioned it, he did not want to label a diagnosis on him to early. So I felt this was a good time to educate myself more in debt about this Disorder and the side effects of medications used for treatment.

Robin Batson - 08/24/00 23:45:05
My Email:rbatson@awod.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Not sure

Comments:


Robin Batson - 08/24/00 23:43:17

Comments:


Michele - 08/22/00 12:34:26
My Email:mlleiter@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 22
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Hi Tomie, This is Michele, I was on your list back when my daugher Kelly was first diagnosed. I still have your last e-mail. Your web page is great! I heard you had health problems. I hope you are feeling better and have recovered from your illness. Kelly is doing ood, she has excepted her disorder and takes her meds. All though she is on SSI She is living independently and she is taking a few classes at a time at the local college. Thanks again for all your support.

Cheryl - 08/21/00 02:23:30
My Email:badneck11@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:


rebecca kube - 08/18/00 18:55:58
My Email:rebeccakube@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Rosa - 08/18/00 14:14:18
My Email:Avante200@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: No
Is the support group in person or on line?: No

Comments:
I'm glad that I'm not alone, like I feel before. My concerned is that all her teachers seen her like a very intelligent, outgoing, outspoken, but when she have a low day or bad she get in trouble. She's been suspended from school several time for tell th teachers off, or figths with students. My problem is that sometime teachers don't look farder, they called complain and when you let them know what's happening, then they look at them like sick teens. My dauther do ot want the teachers know about her c ndition, just because she do not want to be treated differntly from the other kids. How can I help her? Thank You for listening Rosa

Michael - 08/18/00 02:50:58
My Email:psfreytag@dmci.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
My step-daughter has endured a long list of tests and interviews with a number of professionals who have unlocked a mental problems with this child. First ADHD, without hyperactivity, suspected alcohol affect (she is adopted and family history is not com lete), now bi-polar. She is proving to be quite a challenge and her mother and I are seeking support and knowledge from as many sources as we can find. I like your Webb Page and have found it to be very informative. Thank you.

Karen Kae - 08/17/00 16:15:16
My Email:KKachad@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: na

Comments:
It was great being able to realize that we are not alone in this struggle.

D.Black - 08/17/00 12:51:14
My Email:denise@nuwavenet.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: na

Comments:


Ruth Whitehead - 08/16/00 16:03:30
My Email:rudyrn32@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am having a difficult time dealing with the school about my daughter. Any idea that would help??

bernadette haley - 08/14/00 17:11:59
My Email:bdhaley1@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
this is a very hard illness to deal with i have been throught a lot with my son with miss diagnosses by the doctor that was takeing care of him odeing him on to much meds to the point that he was hospitalized it was a struggle but i got a doctor that did ight by my son and he is doing better then he was its not a cure but it is better then him chaceing us throw the house with a knife and then trying to hert him self he is back in school and doing better i just hve problems with the school teachers and rencepal they have ahard to understandind his illness or they don't want to because it is to much work to acomadate him ihave learnd alot about this illness but i knowthere is always more to know i just need some advice about how to make the school understand or do right by my son after all it is not his falt that he is like this he didn't chose to be this way as long as i can i will contenue to fight for hi he deseves a education like every one else!!!!

fox - 08/12/00 19:37:10
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:


Jeff Kazmierczak - 08/11/00 22:55:03
My Email:uperlover@worldnet.att.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: I was one--19 year-old
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 19
How old is the child now?: 33
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
I am a survivor of bipolar disorder. I wrote and published a novel about my personal experience with the illness at age 19. "Neural Misfire: A True Story of Manic-Depression" may serve as a reference for manic-depressives, their families, and healthcare providers. "Neural Misfire" describes the beginning of the manic-depressive's illness up to initial treatment. The manic-depressive’s thoughts, presented in italics, open a doorway into his disturbed mind. For more information and to place an order, ca l 1-800-BOOKLOG ("Neural Misfire" is a 278-page soft-cover publication priced at $17.95 plus shipping and handling).

Ed - 08/11/00 15:12:48
My Email:daredawg@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 17
How old is the child now?: 19
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I received your information from my daughter's therapist. She has just had her 3rd episode due to her not taking her meds. It is getting harder and harder to live with her. We have less control now because she is 19 and an adult. We love her, and are will ng to help her in so many ways, but she sometimes makes horrible decisions that not only affect her, but our whole family. We hope your website can offer us some help. Ed in Ohio

Cheryl - 08/09/00 03:12:59
My Email:CHER122161@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes and also a sister
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16 1/2
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
Growing up my sister was always different. Moody to say the least every family function ruined etc. Well then after years of ????? whats wrong she gets the big diagnoses of Bp and a few other fun things to go along with it. As for my daughter she also wa a very moody child from about the age 5 I had her in and out of therapy and i would always ask could there be something physicaly wrong witn my daughter and was always told no. Well at age 10 she was diagnosed with insulin dependant diabetes, so ok thats what it is with the mood swings so i blamed every thing on the diabetes. Well she got worse and then I found our she was also a self injurer. She was diagnosed with BP,Boarderline personality dissorder, some kind of detachment dissorder. She is currently n 6 meds + the insulin. and still the wonderful (ha) roller coaster rides which I tend to go along with her. This past year after her 1 million suspension from school I found out about IEP"S and partial hospitalzation programs. And I am still fighting wit SSA who says she can lead a FAIRLY (ha again) good life. If anyone has been through this please e-mail me. beings she is 18 now i think alot of avenues are closong for us. The group on line I belong to is mostly made up of spouses of BP's I need some serious advice and help from other parents. Thank you for your space (I took alot of it) Praying for help Cheryl

Geni - 08/07/00 23:31:03
My Email:LadyRodeo0228@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Hi, Great page. I needed the school stuff. I have had a difficult time each year with the IEP. Thanks for your help. My son Tony was misdiagnosed at age 4 with ADD/HD and at age 9 they changed his diagnose to Bipolar. I have Bipolar also. Thanks again fo you help.

Rhonda Cox - 08/06/00 21:42:58
My URL:http://www.parentsofbpkids.com
My Email:BPKidsSFlorida@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 2 boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10 and 12
How old is the child now?: same as above
Do you belong to a support group?: yes...I've started one
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
If you can send me any information that will help me share the joys and tribulations of living with a bipolar child, I would appreciate it. I have started a support group for the parents of BP kids so that they will see they are not alone and that there i hope after all the heartaches. Thank you, Rhonda S. Cox Parents of BP Children 4312 SW 50th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314 www.parentsofbpkids.com (ready this week) BPKidsSFlorida@aol.com (954) 583-9636

Donna Beckham - 08/06/00 14:11:04
My Email:robbiebeckham@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: possible
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:
My son has been diagnosed with odd with the underlying possiblity of early onset bipolar. My husbands family has a history of BPD. My child is currenty on Depakote but this does not seem to be working. I desparetly need to talk to other parents that ha e a child with this disorder.

Donna Beckham - 08/06/00 14:05:48
My Email:robbiebeckham@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: possible

Comments:


Fanny Stearns - 08/06/00 03:39:07
My Email:stones@fidnet.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: male
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: both

Comments:
I would like to chat with other parents of bp teens on line.

Bonnie Sebright - 08/04/00 04:39:15
My Email:theodoropolou@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: not sure yet
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not diagnosed with bipoloar
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:


Carol Lewis - 08/03/00 07:20:47
My URL:http://mannapages.com/Harmony
My Email:harmony156@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes-two boys
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10 and 12
How old is the child now?: 10 and 12
Do you belong to a support group?: starting Sept 12th
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
I have been looking at links all night and am fascinated by the information I am finding. I have bookmarked your sight and will come back to it. I have an IEP in the am for my 12 yr old.

Lee - 08/02/00 06:17:20
My URL:http://www.oocities.org/advocate4child
My Email:robinlee70@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Great information

Mike - 08/02/00 03:29:57
My Email:ocmikeyb1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet
Is the support group in person or on line?: none so far

Comments:
Please read my e-mail...any assistance is appreciated:) Thank you, Mike

Sonya - 07/29/00 18:14:20
My Email:sonyasylvester@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: No
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/a

Comments:
I've tried to get as much information about Bipolar Disorders,as I can. I have read Danielle Steele's book about her son and found that very helpful, I have also purchased and read Dr.Dimitri and Janice Papolos's The BiPolar Child and found that very help ul, and interesting, I am encouraging family members, to read it,as I am hoping that will help them understand what my husband and I have been going thru, and continue to go thru. I am virtually a single parent, because my husband's job takes him away fro home quite a bit. I would love to hear from other people. Thank You, Sonya

Sonya - 07/29/00 18:06:00

Comments:


- 07/26/00 14:43:27

Comments:


Donna L Spradlin - 07/25/00 16:04:40
My Email:andspradlin@netnitco.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes-3 poss 5
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 1 girl, 4? boys
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
I had been fighting with my daughter's doctor for over three years before he finally listened to what we were saying and took the family history. He finally just this year dxed her and we are carefully watching the two younger, but the other two boys are right behind her. The bpparent list has been such a saving grace to me and my husband that I don't know where we would be right now without it. Donna I have to say that my mom is helping me alot I thank her and thank-you for helping my mom Emily

Renee Harris - 07/25/00 02:56:32
My Email:KidsRmylife@Juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Kerri Eaker - 07/23/00 07:46:24
My Email:Benneaker@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: person

Comments:
I do belong to a support group but none of the other parents are dealing with children who have bipolar.

Kerri Eaker - 07/23/00 07:44:16

Comments:


stacey - 07/21/00 23:53:28
My Email:dikcoates@alpha.to
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes!!!!!!!!!!
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: undiagnosed
How old is the child now?: 11yr.
Do you belong to a support group?: www.bpkids.org
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
thank-you for providing this site bp parents often feel very alone.Especially right now while we wait for our child to bo diagnosed.

leslie reynolds - 07/21/00 00:08:29
My Email:mdreynolds@excite.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


- 07/20/00 20:40:37
My Email:davepaula@lineone.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Nice to see some support on line. Best wishes.

Erin - 07/20/00 14:48:16
My Email:Amcconn903@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no, would like to

Comments:
I am looking for other parents who want to toss around some ideas and experiences. I have been dealing with this for a very long time (since birth practically) and feel very much alone at times. My husband (2nd marriage) tries to understand but can't get ast the "treating her like other children" thing, which is very tough on our realtionship and I end up not telling him what goes on here in order to avoid confrontations with he and my daughter. No one in Vermont where I live has any type of support grou dealing with this particular area. They're all for add/adhd parents. I don't want to talk to parents of add/adhd children. I want to talk to people who are going through what we go through. The violance, school problems, lying, refusal to do anything, iblings in fear, us in fear, etc. Anyone like me?

Babs Mondschein - 07/19/00 20:05:02
My Email:Babsu@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
Unfortunately, my daughter and I have been through the wringer getting a diagnosis (tentative). I have seen issues that were indicative of Bi-polar since 3 years. She also has learning dis. and ADHD. Doctors and Psychs. thought I "knew too much" and n ver did truly complete testing until I happened upon a Psychiatrist "on loan" to our PPO. Lo and behold, he is also a pediatrician and specialist in ADHD. He is also a marvelously attentive listener who started pieceing the puzzle together.

Jeanne Rowley - 07/17/00 06:23:06
My Email:idar@pacbell.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have a daughter (34), and her daughter(11) who I am raising who are both bipolar as was my father and myself. I need all the direction I can get. Is there any study on genetics for this nightmarish disorder. My father committed suicide, I've attempted twice as has my daughter and my grandaughter once. I also believe my other two daughters have a milder form and my 16year old grandaughter has also been diagnosed with it at age 6.

Susan O Cain - 07/17/00 03:11:51
My Email:SueOK@AOL.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
Love this site

jeff stephens - 07/15/00 23:47:53
My Email:burnman@alltel.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: six
How old is the child now?: seven
Do you belong to a support group?: no, but want to

Comments:
Johnny has been diagnosed with bipolar,mixed and ADHD. We have been through several medication trials and are still trying changes to get him stable he cycles VERY rapidly We take him to a bipolar study clinic at the University of Pittsburgh (about 2 h urs from home) School is a major area of difficulty. We are currently fighting for a revised IEP as this past year they called us to come take him home whenever he was acting out in spite of the fact that he is in an emotional support class. This is t e first time to check bipolar info on the internet and we are hoping to gain insight and some helpful hints.

jeff stephens - 07/15/00 23:41:01
My Email:burnman@alltel.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes

Comments:


Nancy - 07/13/00 16:41:27
My Email:bizzybe_32
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: yes online
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
This web site is very informational and I like being apart of it. I have found out a lot of information that I never new before. Like tests that my son should have been offered and was not. So now I am taking charge of my sons treatment because I do know a little more about bp and things that need to be done. thanks

Trish Carter - 07/12/00 21:35:16
My Email:starryskky@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 yrs
How old is the child now?: 10 yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My daughter is still being diagnosed as ADHD/Bipolar. She is currently on Ritalin but when she starts going down the med makes it worse. Her Dr. feels she is to young for other meds but she has already hit puberty. Where do I go from here?

donna purcell - 07/12/00 05:21:49
My Email:donnapurcell@webtv.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 1997
How old is the child now?: 19
Do you belong to a support group?: have gone to nami groups
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
Great new info for parents. Was happy to see new research about bipolar in children.

Mary - 07/11/00 12:52:05
My Email:marylou137@adelphia.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm starting to learm about bipolar disorder. Thank you for providing so much information.

Karen G. - 07/10/00 23:48:14
My Email:kitg@utah.uswest.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes--two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl(9), boy(5)
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: girl(8), boy(just now)
How old is the child now?: girl(9), boy(5)
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I too picked up the book The Bipolar Child after it was recommended to me by my daughter's psychiatrist and found myself teary-eyed to recognize both of my children being described within the pages. My daughter is more of the up and down type, but my son is already showing some signs of real assertive/aggression, so we are so glad to have a place to go to for information and resource. I knew it wasn't just my kids and that somewhere there was an answer to the gut level feeling that the kids were more tha just emotional. They're special.

Iva Carter - 07/09/00 06:23:52
My Email:aicarter@planttel.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: just found out about bpparents.org
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
My son was adopted at birth. I first saw him at 5 hours...he had a passifier. We met with the dr. as we left the hospital with him at 17 hrs. she said, "He is a very demanding baby." She was right! At 18 months he began leaping out of his bed...it wa sheer hell from then on. I tried to talk to his dr. He told me that I was an older mom who knew nothing about children...I was 32 when he was born & had taught school for almost 10 yrs. We saw an allergist at 2. He gave us something to make him sleep told us to come back at age 4. At 4, the dr. told me that he would be glad to treat him but I must do something about the hyperactivity so he could catch him. I began the search...after many drs. we got the diagnosis at age 4, a.d.d. w/hyperactivity & o positional defiant. age 6, the same. age 7, obbsessive compulsive. age 9, he was manic from some of the meds. & had to be hospitalized in May & in Aug. The 2nd time he was diagnosed as Bipolar. We came home on Zypraxa & we learned that he can only tak these meds. until they've reached their goal because they drive him to the manic stage & heaven help us! He goes on Risperdal when I see changes but at this time he takes 20 mg. sustained release ritalin plus 20 mg. reg. ritalin & 250 mg. depakote in th a.m., at lunch he takes 20 mg. of ritalin & 250 mg. depakote, mid-afternoon he takes 20 mg. of ritalin , & at bedtime he takes 250 mg. of depakote & 1 1/2 0.1 mg. tabs. of clonidine & a benadryl. He is totally manic in the mornings before his meds. La t school yr. I started going in & giving his meds. while he slept telling him I would leave him alone if he would take them thus letting him try to get up when his meds. began to work...it made for a much better morning. I teach pre-kindergarten & when w have...a morning from HELL it is hard to go to work & be an effective teacher for 20 4 & 5 yr. olds. During a divorce when my son was 4...my x said that the pressures were just more than he could stand...that's why he ran around for 2 1/2 yrs. before I aught him & tossed him out (he denies saying this now. When problems started, his dad was in total denial & fought me all the way. I didn't want there to be a problem I just knew things were not normal. He seemed to blame me because I kept trying to fi d the answer. The schools see none of these problems. He is well-behaved there & has been always. I go & fight for the right classroom situations each year then back off. He is very smart & does well. He is socially immature & has few friends. Getting homework is pur hell & we are dreading the thoughts of hormones starting up in the coming years...we honestly worry that we will be killed as we sleep one day (I can't believe I said that but my husband says this to me at times). I remarried a few yrs. ago & he is able to help so much although he is resented terribly by my son. When we married, I moved up the wedding date because I was having to sleep on the floor in the hallway to keep my son in his room at night...a dr. had taken away his sleep meds...we found another dr. soon after! After doing some research into my son's biological family, I have found ALL of the different diagnoses in his mother's family! I haven't been able to find out any info. on the biological father's side.

Tracey Hagee Gaetke - 07/09/00 04:30:05
My Email:goat_tah@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no, I have it
Do you belong to a support group?: Still looking

Comments:
My child was diagnosed with a tendency toward ADHD, but I have been diagnosed with Bi-polar. I am looking for information now that I have moved home, to the U.S.

Colleen Peterson - 07/09/00 01:55:56
My Email:CPeter3002@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: just joined BPparents
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:


Leah Greenwood - 07/07/00 06:36:17
My Email:leah.greenwood@amcom.co.nz
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: a boy and a girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8 and 11
How old is the child now?: 10 and 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am desperately seeking information for parents on managing and surviving with bipolar children. Our daughter responded well to medication, but our son is causing sheer hell within the family. He's in control completely.

Fran - 07/06/00 17:31:19
My Email:fkoch@accorporation.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes, 3 (we have no "normal" ones)
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 1 boy, 2 girls
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5,5,5
How old is the child now?: 9,7,5
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My husband has bi-polar disorder. So does his brother, his father, his grandfather (treated with shock therapy long ago!), his uncles, his great-uncles, and his cousins (all these relatives are currently being successfully treated with lithium). Knowing this, I expected to see bi-polar disorder in my children. I started noticing problems with my son when he was 3 1/2. The real tragedy of his life is that when he was 4/5 and getting ready for kindergarten, we took him to see someone because we knew it w s time. His behavior was not because he was being difficult, and we knew he (and we) would need help getting through school. The person we saw told us that "we don't treat kids as bi-polar until after they've been through puberty. We treat them as ADHD " He was put on ritalin. It seemed to work for a while, sort of. We informed his school about his problem (which was listed as ADHD). He was put into a kindergarten classroom with 27 other children, one which was physically and somewhat mentally handi apped. You can imagine how much help the aide was to my needy child, and how the clamor distracted him. He ended up in in-school suspension 3 times, and had numerous notes sent home about being in time-out, et al. He used to come home asking me why he as bad (which I did my best to dispel). The ritalin was upped, and upped, and upped, and finally he was put in adderol which was upped at least twice. These medicines made him more active. They caused him to sleep very little. He had to take medicatio to keep him from wetting the bed. He had horrible nightmares, thought he saw the devil in his room, and thought frequently about his parents being dead, and about himself being dead. All of this took just one semester and all of the peace from my child s life. My husband was threatening to give him his own lithium (he's been on it since age 9), when we finally found someone (briefly) that took my husband's history into consideration. And I got my son back. Because of an insurance change, and the insi iousness of behavioral watchdog (insurance) groups, we lost our wonderful psychaitrist. The next one we got (due to a hospitalization) didn't even want to consider bi-polar, treated me as if I was crazy, and obviously didn't know what he was doing (for m child). I had to tell him what meds to try, et al. For now, our GP is prescribing our kids meds, based largely on what we have been able to find our, and on his journeys on the web. We are looking for a psych. that will 1)treat children younger than 1 , and 2) will recognize bp disorder in kids. Obviously, our 2 daughters have not been "officially" diagnosed (if it takes a psych. to make it official). However, I have no doubt in my mind that we did the right thing. I would not put them through the h ll my son experienced just to have them seen by a psych. They all take lithium (as does their dad who - finally - has a good psych.), and this at least takes off the tops and fills in the valleys. They still rapid cycle, and have to deal with "they don' like me", lying, immaturity, et al, but the world doesn't spin so much for them, and they seem fairly happy (usually). I recently found THE BIPOLAR CHILD in the library, which taught me so much, and encouraged me so! It also showed me your site. Today is the first day I've (ever) had access to the net, so I thought I'd visit. I'm glad I did.

Druscilla - 07/05/00 06:30:40
My Email:covclan4@mako,com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes, 2
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6 other 10 yr
How old is the child now?: 7yr
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Linda Tepper - 07/05/00 02:56:58
My Email:LinTEPR@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8 1/2
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: I used to
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
I would be interested in corresponding with other parents of bipolar chidren. I am a mental health professional (CSW), and I will be working in an exciting new school for kids with neurobiological disorders this fall.

Marlene - 07/04/00 01:32:32
My Email:ksmk000@tamuk.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: not sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


pamhammitt - 07/03/00 22:54:20
My Email:pamhammitt@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: on-line

Comments:


Melissa - 07/02/00 20:16:07
My URL:http://www.calypso.com/GalaxyClub
My Email:IamCloaked@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I am 36 and was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder a year ago. I was adopted at birth so I have no knowledge of family mental health history. Now that I am on meds (Depakote and Remeron) I can see that my 14 year old son is bipolar. I will be taking him to the Doctor ASAP. I have some anger in me because my parents thought somthing was different with me like I was always fighting this demon and they tried to seek help for me through psycologists, but I was never diagnosed and my mother was told one time t was her parenting. Funny since my brother and sister her two biological children didn't try to tornado around as a child or hurt and cut themselves as a teen.

sonia ortiz - 07/02/00 03:26:24
My Email:steffy68
Do you have a bipolar child?: not sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not sure if he is
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: none

Comments:
I have seen talk shows and it shows the conditions of their behavior in the home. I feel like it's my home I'm looking at. It reveals the same destructive behavior of my grandchi

sonia ortiz - 07/02/00 03:26:20
My Email:steffy68
Do you have a bipolar child?: not sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not sure if he is
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: none

Comments:
I have seen talk shows and it shows the conditions of their behavior in the home. I feel like it's my home I'm looking at. It reveals the same destructive behavior of my grandchi

crosstown - 06/30/00 23:51:54
My Email:crosstown222@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes, two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: a boy and a girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16 and son undiagnosed
How old is the child now?: 17 and 18
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


debi - 06/27/00 04:24:15
My Email:djp406@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I should have read others comments before I wrote. My daughter was diagnosed last week. I already knew in my heart. We have been through what everyone else has written. My husband has always avoided dealing with these issues and just turns away. My d . prescribed risperdal, which I haven't given her yet. I guess I am in a little bit of denial too. She has been on paxil since nov. for depression. The struggle continues, but all of a sudden I feel less alone. Please email me. It would be nice to fe l solidarity instead of feeling like the outcast...i am tired and love my daughter very much. I just want her to be happy. I am also reading "The Bi-Polar Child". I recommend it. It feels like you are reading about your own child...nice to be understo d. Hope you are all having a "good" day.

debi - 06/27/00 03:48:01
My Email:djp406@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
everyday is a struggle. i feel very alone. i need to know how other people handle these situations.

toni stroder - 06/26/00 01:05:00
My Email:tonimpage@netscape.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
would like more info on medication nothing seems to help and he haas been on everything

tracy peabody - 06/25/00 21:10:24
My Email:peabodyswife@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
We have recently been told that our daughter is bipolar. In a way i am relieved that there is a name for the emotions that she has. She was first put on ridlin for adhd and then put on another form because she started scratching and picking at her self mo e so than before the medication. Then she was treated for ocd and then anxiety. her doctor just started her on another med that is in the lithium group that starts with a d and I can not think of the name right now. She has been on this medication for abo t a week now. We are weaning her off of Luvox now too. She still is withdrawn in public, would rather be with me than her friends when we go out and she seems to be very concerned what people think of her or that they are lauging at her. I would love to t lk to someone to feel like i am not alone. Tracy Peabody

sharon - 06/24/00 15:39:46
My Email:Titantic Momx3

Comments:
I had given out the wrong email address. It is Titantic Momx3@aol.com (not titanticmomx3). Looking forward to hearing from you.Sharon

sharon - 06/24/00 15:24:05
My Email:titanticmomx3
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes,
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yetofficially
How old is the child now?: 131/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have a 13 1/2 year old daughter who is anxious and has OCD and extreme emotionalism. She has been very clinging and had separation anxiety worse than most kids her age at 2.She has outburstsin public and at home, no matter where we are at if things don t go her way. I have read many of your posts, and find a common link in them, something my husband and I have noticed with her. She wants to rule the world and has have to be right in everything. She hates control, hates us telling what to do, and always has. will fight you tooth and nail. we have had fights up to 3 hours with her, as she cannot turn off, and would not stay in her room. This h as been going on since she was 2. When we left a family gathering or friends, and she wasn't ready to go, she would cry and rageall the way home for an hour or more. Has been known to destroy her room, and used tokeep coming out. She is extremely sensitive to everythin, and thinks everybody hates her,and that they are talking about her. Used to hate the feel o her socks and underwear at a young age. Hates certain types of clothes and won't wear them, as they don't feel right. Went into rages at age 3 to 4 as clothes did not feel right on her. could not comb her hair as i could never get it right or centered e ough for her. I just read the Bipolar Child and landed up crying through most of it, as it described her to a "T". I have spent many years blaming myself and feeling guilty "if only I would have done this differently or been more patient or knew what to o in this instant". I spent alot of my time getting caught up in her emotionalism and fighting with her (at a young age). We would feed off of each other. I still do, but not to the extent that I used to. She has OCD and many fear (always has, even at and 3). they are unrealistic fears that she can't conquer. I have been having her write her fears and her ocd thoughts down on paper, and then she shows them to me, and we destroy the paper afterwards. She did this daily for awhile, now weekly. This elps her somewhat. When she gets in an angry uncontrollable tantrum, I have her sit down at the computer and write down the emotions. This seems to be helping also. It is not easy, and my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I have spent many h urs crying in the shower and the car and in my bed, everywhere over this. She is the one that comes to me the most for reassurance and love and support, and at times, I can't do it , and reject her, which I know is WRONG. But I can't cope sometimes, and I am getting to the point where I tell her this. It is hard for her to accept, but I think she understands. She argues so much and will pick a fight over anything. She has been the center of the family for years, and I feel that my other two kids are n t getting my complete attention, and worry about them suffering too. I feel so totally consumed by her. It is so helpful to know that other parents are going through the same thing, and I am not alone. I keep saying " i will not give up her and will do whatever I can to help her overcome this or cope better with things. My husband has given up I think. I won't. It causes a strain between him and I also. I have joined her on a swim team 9 months ago, and this is probably the best thing I could have done for her. She loves the swimming back and forth and this seems to calm her and relax her. She now swims 5 days a week in the summer on her team. She is till extremely shy and anxious,and gets nervous in the meets. She has been known when she gets disqualified or comes in last to cry and outburst right there in public "i hate myself, I can't do anything right" and just bawl in front of everybody. I have a very hard time dealing with this, as I am self consious in public around people, and this just draws attention. I used to yell at her, but now am learning to take her away from everybody, and hold her until she calms down and feels better. THIS IS THE HARDEST THING FOR ME TO DO. !!!!! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO PUT ASIDE MY FEELINGS AND HELP HER. I get so easily embarrased by her emotions and outbursts, I freeze and don't know what to do. I start to make her feel bad for these outbursts, and all she want is some understanding. I am starting to get better, it takes some learning and rethinking abilities and tons of patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If anybody has any other ideas or has experienced these same things, please email me at titanticmomx3@aol.com. i feel like the titanic at times, always sinking, but I keep resurfacing to come up with new ideas to help her and us. LOL!!! If anyone is in the Lincoln Nebraska area and knows of a support group or would like to start one for our children and us, please let me know. Thank you for letting me vent my feelings, and God bless each and every one of you and your children, as I know what you are all going through and my heart goes out to you, as well as my tears and my hope and love for a better future for your children and you. I know it is hard on the kids too,as she often tells me "I don't know why I do this or what is wrong with me". Love to all, Sharon

sharon - 06/24/00 15:23:47
My Email:titanticmomx3
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes,
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yetofficially
How old is the child now?: 131/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have a 13 1/2 year old daughter who is anxious and has OCD and extreme emotionalism. She has been very clinging and had separation anxiety worse than most kids her age at 2.She has outburstsin public and at home, no matter where we are at if things don t go her way. I have read many of your posts, and find a common link in them, something my husband and I have noticed with her. She wants to rule the world and has have to be right in everything. She hates control, hates us telling what to do, and always has. will fight you tooth and nail. we have had fights up to 3 hours with her, as she cannot turn off, and would not stay in her room. This h as been going on since she was 2. When we left a family gathering or friends, and she wasn't ready to go, she would cry and rageall the way home for an hour or more. Has been known to destroy her room, and used tokeep coming out. She is extremely sensitive to everythin, and thinks everybody hates her,and that they are talking about her. Used to hate the feel o her socks and underwear at a young age. Hates certain types of clothes and won't wear them, as they don't feel right. Went into rages at age 3 to 4 as clothes did not feel right on her. could not comb her hair as i could never get it right or centered e ough for her. I just read the Bipolar Child and landed up crying through most of it, as it described her to a "T". I have spent many years blaming myself and feeling guilty "if only I would have done this differently or been more patient or knew what to o in this instant". I spent alot of my time getting caught up in her emotionalism and fighting with her (at a young age). We would feed off of each other. I still do, but not to the extent that I used to. She has OCD and many fear (always has, even at and 3). they are unrealistic fears that she can't conquer. I have been having her write her fears and her ocd thoughts down on paper, and then she shows them to me, and we destroy the paper afterwards. She did this daily for awhile, now weekly. This elps her somewhat. When she gets in an angry uncontrollable tantrum, I have her sit down at the computer and write down the emotions. This seems to be helping also. It is not easy, and my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I have spent many h urs crying in the shower and the car and in my bed, everywhere over this. She is the one that comes to me the most for reassurance and love and support, and at times, I can't do it , and reject her, which I know is WRONG. But I can't cope sometimes, and I am getting to the point where I tell her this. It is hard for her to accept, but I think she understands. She argues so much and will pick a fight over anything. She has been the center of the family for years, and I feel that my other two kids are n t getting my complete attention, and worry about them suffering too. I feel so totally consumed by her. It is so helpful to know that other parents are going through the same thing, and I am not alone. I keep saying " i will not give up her and will do whatever I can to help her overcome this or cope better with things. My husband has given up I think. I won't. It causes a strain between him and I also. I have joined her on a swim team 9 months ago, and this is probably the best thing I could have done for her. She loves the swimming back and forth and this seems to calm her and relax her. She now swims 5 days a week in the summer on her team. She is till extremely shy and anxious,and gets nervous in the meets. She has been known when she gets disqualified or comes in last to cry and outburst right there in public "i hate myself, I can't do anything right" and just bawl in front of everybody. I have a very hard time dealing with this, as I am self consious in public around people, and this just draws attention. I used to yell at her, but now am learning to take her away from everybody, and hold her until she calms down and feels better. THIS IS THE HARDEST THING FOR ME TO DO. !!!!! IT IS HARD FOR ME TO PUT ASIDE MY FEELINGS AND HELP HER. I get so easily embarrased by her emotions and outbursts, I freeze and don't know what to do. I start to make her feel bad for these outbursts, and all she want is some understanding. I am starting to get better, it takes some learning and rethinking abilities and tons of patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If anybody has any other ideas or has experienced these same things, please email me at titanticmomx3@aol.com. i feel like the titanic at times, always sinking, but I keep resurfacing to come up with new ideas to help her and us. LOL!!! If anyone is in the Lincoln Nebraska area and knows of a support group or would like to start one for our children and us, please let me know. Thank you for letting me vent my feelings, and God bless each and every one of you and your children, as I know what you are all going through and my heart goes out to you, as well as my tears and my hope and love for a better future for your children and you. I know it is hard on the kids too,as she often tells me "I don't know why I do this or what is wrong with me". Love to all, Sharon

Rosalyn Clement - 06/23/00 14:21:22
My Email:rosalync@rcsis.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: female
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Would love to chat with others in the struggle. I am particularly interested in how to survive social situations and help these kids make friends.

penny - 06/23/00 03:53:28
My Email:starsam@airmail.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9yrs
How old is the child now?: 9 and half yrs old
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm a single mom of three and my daughter has just recently been diagnosised to possible have bipolar disorder with physical aggression. As a very devoted mom I'm trying to find out all I can about the disorder and also I'm writing a paper for my mini Ins itute that I'm in this summer. My daughter has been in acute care three times, we have had to calle the police once. She has been in day treatment for 3 weeks and in residental care for 2 and half months. She is on Zoloft, Tagrettatal, and seroquil. Thank you for read this and my God bless you. Penny

penny - 06/23/00 03:47:10
My Email:starsam@airmail.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9yrs
How old is the child now?: 91/2

Comments:


yolande - 06/21/00 14:48:04
My Email:y.maceachern@ns.sympatico.ca
Do you have a bipolar child?: believe so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: n/a
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
First he was diagnosed as ADHD at age 8-9, then earlier this year, depressed with anxiety. I have felt for many years that things just were not right (a mother's intuition), but to get a doctor to listen is another story. His psychiatrist won't consider ipolar until he's 14, so I decided it was time to seek help from another professional; but we've been on a merry-go-round trying to get a referral. It is so frustrating, and then to have to live ,on a daily basis, with the ups and downs of an explosive, u predictable child who causes such havoc in the household; well, it all gets overwelming at times. But I continue to hold out hope that we will get help soon, and my son will get his life back to some degree. In this past year, he has been at school only t e first part of the year, and has virtually given up sports- very sad! I would appreciate hearing from anyone who finds themselves in a similer situation, or anyone who can offer any solutuions. Thanks!

Denise Daly - 06/18/00 16:03:51
My Email:ddaly5800@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: possibly
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I think it is wonderful for you to provide a list serve!!! There are no support groups around for parents of bipolar children!!!

barbara hande - 06/18/00 13:40:12
My Email:bahande@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
Thank you for all you do for other parents and children!

RONNI PRINCE - 06/17/00 16:41:09
My Email:PRINCER@GOGOWWV.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8YEARS
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I MAY NEED TO PLACE MY SON IN A LONG TERM PROGRAM AND DON'T KNOW EHICH WAY TO TURN SINCE INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER IT. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Cathy Learn - 06/16/00 00:37:43
My Email:cac8397@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7 years
How old is the child now?: 10 years
Do you belong to a support group?: No
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:
I have just begun to read the book "The Bipolar Child," where this site listed as a good place to find other people who have bipolar children. I am here for the first time and I plan joining the mailing list. I hope that I will find understanding ears!< r>
gail hansen - 06/15/00 00:13:44
My Email:bhansen@glink2.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: questionable
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: none advailalble/ havent found one online

Comments:
thank you foryour questionare I have been having a real hard time trying to find the help for my daughter. 3 different phych, 3 different dignosis

Paula Daniels - 06/14/00 01:46:13
My Email:pdaniels@digitalcreators.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Well I signed in once, and then felt like I had cheated by not telling my story. I have been a single mother for 8 years. My oldest son is 11, he has Down Snydrome. My other son is Stephen he is BiPolar,I just found out this past Friday. I immediately ot on the internet and found this site. I also purchased and read "The Bipolar Child" over the weekend and then had a copy sent to my parents. I have known for some time that something was wrong with Stephen, I just didn't know what. He was very deman ing of my time, insecure, popular, athletic, withdrawn, kind, violent, sensitive, verbaly abusive all within days. I have not been very hard on him and have done my best to be as patient as possible, and given him lots of room for choices. I have been h ghly critized for this from just about every one in my life. It's like I instinctively knew that he couldn't help it. I have scars on my hands from him, have been kicked in the throat, punched, bit, had my house recked, and had to call the police once. Everyone kept telling me he needed more disapline, I should spank him and I kept telling eveyone that he couldn't help it. He did get grounded often, lots of time outs but I just couldn't punish him more than that when he seemed so confused, so hurt, so ad. Usually I just try to restain him and keep telling him that I love him, this last for hours sometimes. My life has been like "It's you and me against the world". Dealing with the prejudices against my other son, was probably to get me prepared for his. Everything happens for a reason. I'm their mother for a reason! I will get through this one moment, one hour, one day at a time.

Paula Daniels - 06/14/00 00:20:26
My Email:pdaniels@digitalcreators.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I just found out on the 9th that my son Stephen is Bipolar, this is the 13th.

Patty - 06/13/00 00:29:49
My Email:coveysgirl@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: A son
How old is the child now?: 11 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am amazed to find out there are so many parents like myself out there. It's not easy, alot of times it's not fun... but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

Lisa Du Bose - 06/12/00 17:50:33
My Email:angeldubie@earthlink.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no-but would like to

Comments:
My daughter is a fraternal twin-both twins were diagnosed at age 2 with ADHD. My son is doing fine on just the meds for ADHD but my daughter still has not stabilized since the diagnosis of BP (still waiting).

JP - 06/09/00 21:40:08
My Email:5nbama@ispchannel.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
I have had my son to doctors since he was 6 months old saying he was bp- finally after many-many doctors laughed at me I found one who would listen- My family handles it pretty well just once in awhile having someone else who understands would be great!< r>
Andrea - 06/09/00 02:26:40
My Email:Wirthraskj@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: We believe so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Its not official but the therapist is starting to lean towards this.
Do you belong to a support group?: no but I would love to talk with others who know what I deal with on a daily basis and can offer some support for me.
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:
I would love to talk to other parents who have a child with bipolar. We have not been officially diagnoised but the therapist is really looking into this as very possible. I plan on reading The bipolar child and doing the test. We just recently found ou that how are child was acting was not normal and that we were not just bad parents but that there was a real reason for what we were going through. Any help from others would be appreciated.

tinna feldman - 06/08/00 06:54:34
My Email:damat98@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: both

Comments:
i live in ft. lauderdale, fla. i founded a support group for parents of bipolar children, may25, 2000. if anyone is interested in attending, or starting a support group, email me at damat98@aol.com. i would be thrilled to help you in your endevour. t nna

Carol Atteberry - 06/06/00 18:58:43
My Email:catteberry@clarkeschool.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 17
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: no, I need help

Comments:
My son is currently taking lithium, effexor and welbutrin but left school because he could not handle the terrible descents into depression and hopelessness. I do not think he has been formally diagnosed, because everyone including the psychiatrist is so vague when they talk to me. His depression side is far worse than the manic side at this point. I really need to talk to some people who know what I am going through as a parent. What do I do? Where do I go for help? I have given you my work e-mail b cause I can check that more frequently. But my home e-mail is redman@javanet.com. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you...

Dorene Brooks - 06/06/00 15:37:38
My Email:brooks143@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Possibly
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Not diagnosed at this time
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: No
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
Excellent website.

Patricia Christensen - 06/06/00 14:32:31
My Email:christtrlib@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:


philippe Joanisse - 06/06/00 13:26:26
My Email:philippe@truehope.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes 2
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: two boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 2 Yeasrs
How old is the child now?: 7 and 9 years
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


C Collins - 06/04/00 22:38:12
My Email:carolie_col@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:


K. Larson - 06/01/00 15:08:36
My Email:katsmeow99@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12 w/ADHD
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I HAVE JUST HEARD ABOUT BIPOLAR AND AM VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT IF MY SON HAS BEEN MISS DIAGNOSED. HE HAS HAD AND STILL HAS ALOT OF THESE SYMPTOMS DISCRIBED.. I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT.

Joan Dunsire - 06/01/00 12:23:20
My Email:mzchow@eearthlink.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13.5
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
After seeing this child through over 4 years of therapy without any definitive diagnosis, a psychologist with whom the whom the whole family has been working, suspected bi-polar disorder. He put us in touch with a child Psychiatrist who has just recently one some physical testing,(EEG and somes blood work)Meanwhile I just finished reading the BiPolar Child by Papalos . It describes this child like a personal protrait. Results from the testing are pending today. I doubt that it makes much difference...the e is no doubt in the minds of my husband and myself. The twist on all this , is that this child is actually our grand child whom we adopted when her alcoholic and drug abusing parents lost custody of her at age 2. We are in our late 60's and coping with this disaster is just overwhelming. We have alredy los a son to drug overdose at 40, and this child's mother is a hopeless alcoholic living on the streets with no desire for help. I'm not quite two weeks post surgery for cervical spinal fusion and am threatened daily by this child's meltdowns. It would be helpful to know that there are others out there who are actually survivng this kind of "life". At this point, I'm finding it difficult to think of a reason for trying.

jennifer z. - 05/31/00 02:37:22
My Email:PeaceofZ@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


lisa manning - 05/28/00 03:10:40
My Email:lilangelleza@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6 1/2 yrs.
How old is the child now?: 9 yr
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my son has been on numerous meds. and had to be hospitalized on 5 occassions. This is so difficult. I wish there was some magical cure other than support and love. He has just started back on lithium and risperdal with a gradual increase to come.

Kelly Crain - 05/27/00 05:36:03
My Email:Indy_97@msn.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My daughter's difficulty began around age 3. She had been diagnosed as PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) ADHD, ODD, and severely depressed. She has been treated with Ritalin, Imipramine, Dexadrene, and Adderall. When all of the "wonder" drugs faile , the "experts" became, in their words "stumped". I have had 3 drs. actually look me in the eye, shrugg their shoulders and say "beats me, I'm stumped". I asked about Bipolar. Not in a child this young, they say. I insisted they look into it. We now ave a tenative diagnoses of BiPolar. Probabably because she doesn't fit any other nice neat acceptable "label" We are experiencing some progress with the new meds. - Prozac, Tenex, and Risperdal. So, thats my daughter. On the personal side. This is v ry difficult to deal with. It is frustrating and very often overwhelming. No one really understands. I often feel like a terrible mother. If only somehow I had been better, none of this would have happened. I know its not true, but the feelings are st ll there. Its nice to read the message board. I don't feel so alone. Thank You

Amanda Spaugh - 05/25/00 19:46:44
My Email:Pandabear622@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I am the bipolar child
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: I'm a girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 18
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I know I am not a parent of a bipolar child, but I am old enough so that most of the reading done in my family about bipolar disorder is done by me. This site is very good. Even though I wan't diagnosed until recently, it is believed that I have been bipo ar since I was about 10. A lot of what I read describes what I was like when I was young. Thank you!

Sharon Kurtz - 05/25/00 15:27:46
My Email:sharonk@ftpc.fpcusa.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
i sure could use some help. I'm a single parent struggling to deal with the symptoms of my bipolar/ADHD child. Behavior is intolerable and i feel my life has been taken over by this illness. I have no personal life and I am desperate for a life outside this chaos.

Stacey Cooper - 05/25/00 02:28:35
My Email:coopergohound
Do you have a bipolar child?: possibly one of my first grade students.
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: diagnosed with ADHD at this time. Will be assessed on June 14th.
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'm looking for ways to help this child's family in making the right educational decisions. I would like him to attend an inclusive first grade classroom with two teachers. parents are concerned about distractibility with such a large class. 16 to 18 st dents. Thank you for all the resources. This has been very helpful. I have printed off the survey foem for the parents.

Jennifer Winkie - 05/24/00 19:38:11
My Email:JennJeff2000@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5 years old
How old is the child now?: 6 years old
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: neither

Comments:
My daughter and I were both diagnosed at the same time with Bipolar Disorder.

shelley Hann - 05/23/00 17:47:13
My Email:taperrando@.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I feel as if my life is forever changed. My daughters behavour due to her bipolar condition has been hard to deal with. A diagnoses only puts a label on things it dosn't change them. I can only hope with love and support things will be O.K. My prayers go out to other parents in this situation.

shelley Hann - 05/23/00 17:43:32
My Email:taperrando@.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes

Comments:


Wendi - 05/23/00 04:25:51
My Email:WEPARS
Do you have a bipolar child?: I think
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not diagnosed
How old is the child now?: eleven
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I need some answers to my stepdaughter behavior.She has extreme mood swings, It was so bad that my husband and I are now living apart even though we love each other dearly.This child needs help and I don't know where to begin.

susan - 05/23/00 01:36:51
My Email:mmsss@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: i think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
im reading bipolar child by Papolos. MY daughters therapist wanted me to read that first before seeing the psychiatrist. She definitely has ODD. Her therapist thinks she is bi polar too. I think her father is also. this is so scary (for me, her siste s, and herself im sure) but something has to be done because every minute of the day is such an unhappy place in this house. I cant deal with the yelling fighting misbehaving, swearing, spitting, hitting,kicking, etc... the list goes on and on and on. i have actually contacted a doctor at Mass. General Hospital in Boston. We are playing phone tag though. Any help you can share with me would be great. This homepage is wonderful. Thank you Susan

Audrey - 05/22/00 03:07:57
My Email:nala4331@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no sibling
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have a brother who is bi polar and I would like to know if you know any web sites that i could go to. I would like to know how other siblings deal with bi polar in their family. I thought this web site could help me. Please!!! Thank you Audrey

Marybeth Niemann - 05/19/00 14:58:52
My Email:LeftieLI@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: eight years
How old is the child now?: nine tears
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have found your web site extremely useful and would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I have found that with a small exception of psychiatrists, fellow parents are our best resource. I have tried to join a bbparents listserv suppo t group but have not received a response to my request. I have heard many great things about the support groups from relatives who are members and I am anxious to join. I also welcome any questions from anyone in need. I am glad to share my experiences.
Kathleen N. - 05/18/00 14:51:07
My Email:kan82160@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 4 1/2
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I would appreciate any info or suggestions in the way of public education strategies. This is truly my biggest obstacle with my son. Thank you

VICTORIA - 05/18/00 01:51:14
My Email:BONAFIDEWORKS@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: GIRL
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A SUPPORT GROUP IN MY AREA AND ESSPECIALLY ONE FOR MY DAUGHTER SHE FEELS ALONE WITH THIS ILLNESS AND I'M GETTING DEPRESSED JUST STRUGGLING WITH SOME IDEAS TO HELP HER, ITS SO HARD. I LIVE IN HANOVER AREA AND HAVE AN IEP MEETING SOON T AT I'M NOT QUITE PREPARED FOR.

Jeri Frederick - 05/17/00 22:31:21
My Email:frederick.jeri@uis.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: well....I did
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:
Thanks for being there. I use articles from your site to educate the professionals around me.

carol bova - 05/17/00 04:24:36
My Email:bovapaquin@sprintmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes, we think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
we are just at the start of this diagnosis he seems to fall into this bi polar catagory also his eeg was abnormal and showed sign of benign epilepsy of childhood. i would like to know if there is any research linking this to bipolar disorder. thank you

Ann K - 05/15/00 03:21:03
My Email:dragonlady712@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Connie Friend - 05/14/00 13:32:30
My Email:cfriend@mail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My adopted son was diagnosed ADHD while living with family of origin. It took two years, two hospitalizations, an arrest & detention at Juvenile Detention Center, and MY EFFORTS ONLY to determine that this child was misdiagnosed and not on correct medica ions. These children are used and abused by doctors, psychologists, "educators", "peace" officers, and almost every official imaginable.

Cory - 05/09/00 19:41:53
My Email:crazy_cory74@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 4 years old
How old is the child now?: 6 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Please help!!! I need more information and definetly a support group! Please HELP

l abdo - 05/09/00 00:24:57
My Email:yabbie44@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Paula - 05/08/00 17:09:22
My Email:paular@iwon.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
we knew our child was Bipolar since he was vey young , but were unable to get a correct diagnosis. The correct dx is the key to sucessfully helping your child and keeping your family sane and together

P. Post - 05/04/00 06:10:57
My Email:symphony1447@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have been trying for some time to access your listserv but have been unsuccessful. I do not know what I am doing wrong. Would it be possible for you to e mail me to assist me in my attempts? Thank you.

Tim Leeson - 05/02/00 21:41:56
My Email:bird1952@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
Am in desperate need of getting support and assistance. Original doctor who said preliminary diagnosis of bipolar didn't treat properly. She treated daughter as if she should control herself all the time. Didn't properly educate my daughter or us as to wh t bipolar was and was not. Depakote hasn't worked really well to date. It just decreased rage a little but frequency hasn't changed. Would love to hear from others.

montella - 05/01/00 00:15:32
My Email:jbic2@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


VERONICA MCKENZIE - 05/01/00 00:06:37
My Email:VERONICA 71169@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6YRS
How old is the child now?: 6YRS
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I NEED TO BE W/ A SUPPORT GROUP BECAUSE NO ONE UNDERSTANDS IN MY FAMILY OR MY FRIENDS DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M GOING THRU. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL W/ ALL BY MYSELF. PLUS MY OLDER SON IS ADHD AND HE IS DYSLEXIC. MY EMAIL HAS A SPACE BETWEEN MY NAME AND THE NUMBERS VERONICA 71169@AOL.COM I NEED SUPPORT PLEASE!

John Governo - 04/30/00 13:43:58
My Email:governos@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes/maybe two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl/ maybe the boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 1/2
How old is the child now?: 9 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
We have two children, both adopted.Eric, 11 was adopted at six months, Alison, his biologigal sister, adopted at birth. The biological mother has a long history of psychological disorders, and the biological father comes from three generations of violence and abuse. The children have been receiving counselling and treatment for ADHD, Depression, anxiety, but recently the "experts" have become convinced that Alison is bipolar. She's the toughest one to deal with, and nothing seems to help. Eric at least is making some progress. The point I am getting to is that what complicates everything is that both children score on the borderline IQ scale. As a result they make bad decisions, have problems with relationships, etc. We don't seem to be able to find anyplace that addresses both bipolar and low IQ. Everywhere we look it seems that the one thing parents of children with any type of mental disorder cling to is some special talent. Well our children have none. We love the , and they look so normal, pretty, and handsome, that people expect them to be "normal". Their unacceptable social behavior is attributed to poor parenting. So, this is the hell we live with. I'm sure the prisons are full of peoiple with low IQ and a mental disorder. We're trying to make sure that our two kids don't end up there. As you can tell we're getting pretty desperate for help. We've got all kinds of mental health resources going on, but not making any real progress. I would just love to hear what other people are doing with their low IQ kids. Must be that no one wants to dmit to low I Q. We hear so much about the High IQ kids with ADHD or some other disorder, but can it be possible that ours are the only two like this. Any help here? Thank you, John Governo

rena levine levy - 04/30/00 00:35:07
My Email:drzlevy@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy and adult girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: boy 9 /adult girl 22
How old is the child now?: 11/24/
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
In the process of reading The Bipolar Child by Dr. Papolos and Janice Papolos. It is so reassuring toknow that my husband and I are not crazy. It is extremely difficult parenting a bipolar child and having that reinforced in writing is in itself comfort ng. I plan on reviewing some of the articles in your site and possibly getting involved in a support group.

eve tricarico - 04/29/00 01:45:11
My Email:eterrn
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7?
Do you belong to a support group?: yes tourettes
Is the support group in person or on line?: person and online

Comments:
great web site. need to vent . going to lose my mind

Jennifer Faldt - 04/28/00 15:19:28
My Email:jfaldt@moraga.k12.ca.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: Undiagnosed, but I think so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: bpparents
Is the support group in person or on line?: online

Comments:


Susan E. Miklavcic - 04/27/00 11:29:11
My Email:jsmiklavcic@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: male
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: on line

Comments:
We're finding a lot of information on line about BP but I dont' know how this will affect his IEP. We will very soon be having his 3 year reevaluation and I hoping they won't take mor services away from him because of this. We fought last year over them having him spend more time in a regular class instead of Spec Ed and this year we want him back in more Spec Ed classes.

martha berney - 04/26/00 18:37:18
My Email:spa599.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 27
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
For the past 12 years of our familylife my daughter's condition had shaked us all. Little understanding by doctors and tremendousfrustration My daughter became a drug adict and things got even more complicated. She suffer from paranohia and anxiety. She had tried every drug in the market legal and ilegal. Please help me to help her. desparate mother

Yvonne Jones - 04/25/00 16:11:56
My Email:BJones1388@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Not yet
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
Would like to find a support group, to help with diagnosis and medication

Shelley Malone - 04/25/00 05:09:36
My Email:shelleyscorner@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
After seeing the authors of "The Bipolar Child" on Oprah, I spent the evening at Barnes & Nobles reading and reading and reading....Their book has been a huge relief for my husband & I, having someone finally put into writing all of the research that I ha done. I am anxious to learn more about your support system.

Pam Hamlin - 04/25/00 03:37:32
My Email:hamlin25@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Lisa Shane - 04/24/00 07:16:25
My Email:mclisa99@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My daughter is just about five and has been diagnosed ADHD and possible Bipolar. I have no doubt she is Bipolar. I have had more trouble trying to find a doctor to help treat her. The doctor who diagnosed her put her on Zoloft and and left it at that. No ollow up even after I felt we weren't getting results. I have since switched to another highly recommended doctor, who come to find out doesn't think a child this young can be Bipolar. Does anyone have any suggestions on finding a doctor who specializes n bipolar children this young?

Lisa Shane - 04/24/00 07:06:14

Comments:


Dave - 04/24/00 00:19:55
My Email:dofshin@bellatlantic.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: It appears so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
After several years of therapy- we're now working with 3rd therapist, my son's 2nd psychiatrist got to "see him action" in a rage episode, which have been escalating this spring. He was put on Paxil for anxiety/depression last fall and seemed to be doing well, until he came down with Mono in February. Then the rage episodes became more pronounced & with suicidal gestures. Melarill was started, but hasn't seemed to do much. He started on Depakote last week, and things seem a bit better. We go back to his P ychiatrist tommorow & will probably finalize his diagnois of Bi-Polar. Although it's a hard diagnosis to accept, there's some relief in finally getting to the bottom of his problems after all this time. This Web-Site has been a God-Send. Thank you.

Diana Freeman - 04/23/00 21:01:13
My Email:dfreeman@hsutx.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Janet - 04/23/00 17:05:22
My Email:Janet552@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Have a son who was just diagnosed last month with bipolar and just turned 8. He was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, visual perceptual delays, fine and gross motor delays, sleep disorder and depression and sensory processing disorder all between the ages of 3 & 5.Now he is labeled bipolar, ADHD and conduct disorder. Would love to get e-mail from anyone dealing with child with bipolar. Need support!!! He is on Ritalin, Clonidine, Lithium and Risperdal, but not stable yet. My life is a rollercoaster ride with im. The rages are intense and scary. Need support soon!!

amanda - 04/21/00 22:00:25
My Email:tarheelscr9@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
I'm doing a research project on Bipolar disorder.

Barbara Bento - 04/21/00 03:23:15
My Email:FBento@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my son was diagnosedwith ADHD/ODD at age 5, has taken stimulants, antidepressants, etc. with not much progress. About a year ago, a new psychiatrist said he has bipolar. After much denial,questioning, reading, and soul searching, today at his medication appointment I finally accepted that he really has this. He's being treated with lithium, tegretol, zyprexa, and ritalin. He is so resistant to going to therapy sessions that the psychologist we had just recently started with told us there was no point i bringing him-- he can't be helped if he doesn't want to be.Does anyone else have this problem? He REALLY needs to see a therapist!

M. Heck - 04/21/00 02:06:26
My Email:heckinc@acronet.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
Just getting started with all of this

Patty Drieslein - 04/20/00 21:28:45
My Email:pdrieslein@proxima.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no - looking
Is the support group in person or on line?: no-looking

Comments:
I left a message on this site in January, since then my email address changed. I live in San Diego and cannot find a doctor (psych) who has read the Papolos book or believes that a 3 year old can be bipolar. He fits the description in the book to a "T". One doctor wrote prescriptions for Depekene and Respirdal and Mellaril but did so only at my request - he says a 3 year old can't be bipolar - he seems so flaky, I can't go back to him...the 2nd psych I saw wan't to put my son on antidepressants even tho gh he saw him in a full-blown violent rage (the hospital security guards had to be called in) I e-mailed the Papolos and they said that the listserv would be the best way to find a good Dr. in the San Diego area...We've been living this nightmare since hi infancy...can anyone give me a Dr's name?????

mary p - 04/20/00 20:59:41
My Email:neal@postnet.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
My son is about to be asked not to return to his private parochial school that is supposed to specialize in inclusive learning- i.e. dealing with kids with ADD, learning disabilities etc. I am desparate for others experiences. Do bi-polar kids go to regular schools? Must they be special ed? How do you keep a kid mainstream. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tina Abbott - 04/20/00 02:45:17
My Email:krazie4u23@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: HE IS NOT
Do you belong to a support group?: NOPE

Comments:
My son is currently diagnosed with adhd but with bipolar being on both sides of his family I know this is what he has and I feel very confident after looking at all this info on this web site. Thanks.:)

Kara - 04/20/00 02:16:59
My Email:Quad1512@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no, but I read a great deal
Is the support group in person or on line?: I'd like to find one on-line

Comments:
Its been hellish to find the diagnosis we truely needed to get my son and ourselves relief. His behavior was so erratic and it threatened everyone in our household to the point of endangering our younger son. Now on a "bipolar cocktail" he is more stable. ..although we still tip toe around him for fear of 'insulting' his mood.....we are comfortable to start trusting him.

Mary Letchworth - 04/20/00 01:05:10
My Email:mabrykana@megagate.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
We just recently got our computer and on line. I would appreciate talking with anyone who will concerning treatments for children. We have struggled so much from K-4 grade with our daughter, first diagnosed with ADHD; then both ADHD and bipolar and then just bipolar.

Barbara C hioffi - 04/19/00 15:41:28
My Email:Poochen@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: almost 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I would appreciate being able to talk to anyone via e-mail regarding this disorder. It is destroying our household. Our son was diagnosed ADHD at age 2.5 and was on Ritalin until about a year-and-a-half ago. He is now on Depakote, Zyprexa, Lithium, and Adderal. We are trying to discontinue the Lithium because his symptoms have become worse since he began taking it. Thank you, Barbara

terre bartholomew - 04/19/00 15:01:59
Do you have a bipolar child?: pretty sure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: adhd/ odd at 5....wrong
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: a few
Is the support group in person or on line?: both, but always searching for the right one

Comments:
Thank you so much for this information........today I feel as though I have been slapped in the face, as I finally come to realize my child has been misdiagnosed....now what? I ask.......

heather kimball - 04/18/00 19:32:23
My Email:h_kimball@webtv.net

Comments:
i do not have children with bi-polar i was and am a child of the dissorder and i am now 24 years old! my whole life my mother has tried to understand me and couldn't. i just want everyone to know that your child may have this dissorder but there is life a ter it! i applaud you for this web site so arents can understand there children a little more! thank you!

Heidi Korin - 04/18/00 01:39:22
My Email:CKorin@lvcm.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son was just recently "offically" diagnosis as Bi-Polar. Previous diagnosed as ADHD, Asperger's Disorder ect. Contimplating home school and want to know how many Bi-Polar moms out there are home schooling there child and if this is the way to go or t go with the IEP approach. My son is diagnosed sever and is taking Lithium and Paxil. Hospitalized for 7 days at age 8 for suicide attempt.

Heidi Korin - 04/18/00 00:09:50
My Email:CKorin@lvcm.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: None

Comments:
I have a son with sever Bi-Polar Disorder. New to the web-site would appreciate and information.

Lynn Colquhoun - 04/17/00 23:40:42
My Email:none at the moment
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my child was diagnosed with ADHD at 4 and then at 10 with bi polar as well. He's had tremendous success in many ways. We are now dealing with social issues and working with the school. It's been frustrating. I have no e mail at the moment but my address i 20 Solitaire Rd. Rocky Point NY 11778

Laurie Fox - 04/16/00 23:58:32
My Email:Lfox3@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7 years old
How old is the child now?: 13 yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My 13 yr old son is doing wonderful, he is on Depakote and Nortriptoline and clonidine to sleep, but my 11 yr old is not doing well at all, I am almost possitive he is Bipolar too. I think I have just been dening it for the last year and a half. I just go the book The Bipolar Child, I love it and found your web site. I am very excited to talk with some of you and read your information. Thank you :-) Laurie

elizabeth cunningham - 04/16/00 18:58:52
My Email:ejc3722@aol.com

Comments:
I am a special educator in a private day school facility. I work with several children who have been diagnosed as bi-polar. Also, I seem to be receiving an increasing number of referrals which list the diagnosis of bi-polar as the primary concern. I think that this web site is a valuable resource for teacher, parents and children. Thank you.

Rachel - 04/16/00 02:41:17
My Email:rachel@5mericans.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I can't get an email to smtomie@bpparent.org. I really want to join the listserv -- I desperately need the support. My address is listed, please someone reply to that address and help me get on the listserv. Thank you! Rachel

Glenda High - 04/15/00 16:07:13
My Email:jhigh@home.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
I am a first grade teacher. I have a 6 year old little boy in my classroom that has just been diagnosed as ADHD-Bipolar. I am searching different sites to find ideas to help him in the classroom and to help his grandmother who has custody. He is a beautif l child and has a special place in my heart. If you can send me any sites or chatrooms where I might get help, please do so. There are days I feel I am losing him. Thank you.

Louise Schwarber - 04/15/00 05:54:25
My Email:lschwarber@ix.netcom.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6 yrs diagnosed ADHD;I believe bipolar
How old is the child now?: 11 3/4
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person; state program in KY called IMPACT

Comments:
Ever since our daughter, Aileen, was 3 months old, we have been telling the peditrician that there was something different, or amiss, about our as ADHD & perscribed dexedrine. It helped. With an IEP at school, her math and reading skills improved dramat cally -- even her first grade teacher was impressed. By 9 years, she became suicidal. Visited new psychiatrist, added Prozac - it was a horrible Summer as she screamed about anything/everything. By 10 years old, told psychiatrist again that Aileen act d like my father - ranting, raving over small issues. She also became car sick extremely easy, exhibited a range of sensory integration issues and had constant stomaches. Added Risperdal to medications. Now at 11 years, soon to be 12 years, Aileen is s ill easily frustrated, and highly irritable. School doesn't see it so dismisses our concern --- just an overprotective, or crazy, mother. Read "The Bipolar Child" by the Papolos. This is my child. Called psychiatrist to see if Zoloft may be reason for ongoing high irritablity state and crying. Just about to complete 10 week class in Anger Management. The social worker, Midge, is great - - helps with insight, physical feelings and coping skills. Aileen is great in the class, but comes out negative and ready to argue. Her siblings (28 yr old brother; 20 yr. old brother & 10 yr old sister) are at their wits end. Have problems with school over homeload and complying with dispensing with medications on time. As her mother, I advocate for Aileen at school and at home. I am drained --- I relate it to battle fatigue. Everyone expects me to do it all: help her with her homework each night ( ven though it takes her 3 hrs to do 1 1/2 hrs of homework; school does not believe there is a problem because "don't' see it); brother sibs say, "If you would just spank her, she would behave." Ditto, for her father. Younger sister realizes that if I gi e in to her screaming/raging, then Aileen has learned to manipulate me. At same time younger sister wants the raging to stop so she can get some sleep; so Aileen will stop hitting & hurting her, & so Aileen will stop breaking her things. The younger sis er has a lot of patience and is a very funny, happy-go-lucky child most of the time. Aileen terrorizes her sister when sitting on the couch, riding in the car, eating and going to bed. I am exhausted. I work part-time, do volunteer work at my daughters' lementary school and find very, very little time for self. Need increase income to meet regular finances & medical costs for Aileen. Husband suffers from moderate to severe depression so is not gainfully employed most of the time, leaving me with being inancier, negotiator, nurse, teacher, etc. No resources in area, or state, to give me a break --- before I break. Sometimes, I cry right along with Aileen. Psychiatrist told me last Summer that this will be a life-long problem for Aileen. I am applyin for SSI benefits based on her psychiatrist's & Special Ed director's recommendation. I am concerned will not qualify because 20 yr. old son has income ($24,000/yr) income plus my $20,000. Son is paying off large college debt, but will be returning to s hool soon. Thanks for letting me vent. L

Tina Rome - 04/15/00 03:19:01
My Email:rometelescopeco@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I would like to receive more information on bi-polar disorder. I did not know what was wrong with my son until I saw a special about bi-polar disorder on 20/20. I called my son's doctor the next day and she confirmed that she has no doubt in her mind th t he has the ADHD and bi-polar disorder. It's a relief that we actually have a name for it now (instead of explosive aggressive behavior) but it's frustrating because we don't know how to deal with it.

Laurie Jones - 04/14/00 20:43:30
My Email:lhjones@shhspgh.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
Our daughter's psychiatrist, Boris Birmaher, M.D.,at UPMC Health System in Pittsburgh, PA, started a support group for the parents of his bipolar patients. There are now about 22 of us in the group, we meet monthly, and it is the best thing that has happ ned for us. We are evaluating existing resources to determine what will be of help to us and to our children. Are there ways in which you interact with existing support groups?

Susi B - 04/14/00 13:11:30
My Email:susib2000@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: both
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11/8
How old is the child now?: 11/8
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am already on the list, but I have changed my e-mail address. Susi.

C. D. - 04/14/00 02:19:45
My Email:ChataCD@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I just recently learned about BiPolar. My 16 years old son has been diagnosed with BPII and possible ODD and dual diagnosis condition with drugs. Drugs aggravates the situation because all his friends do drugs and alcohol and can't keep them away from him His Dr. just changed his medication from depakote to lithium a week ago. Hardly any improvements. I would like to talk to via e-mail with other parents of bipolar teenagers. Thank you.

Tracey Cannon - 04/13/00 15:38:14
My Email:blsmcrk@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Help, Help, Help !!!! Please send me any and all information. It took seven years to reach this diagnosis and now that we've reached it, I'm lost! Where do I turn for help???

Ron - 04/12/00 19:59:32
My Email:RJM10558@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:


VERONICA MCKENZIE - 04/12/00 18:14:21
My Email:VERONICA 71169@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6 yrs
How old is the child now?: 6yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
i need help dealing w/ this problem, we can't even keep him in a school and he is only in the k-grade

Mary - 04/12/00 15:10:45
My Email:mbufkin@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I want to find someone who will truly listen to the fact that punishment/reward systems do not work for these children. If you can hand out a diagnosis of bipolar, what is so difficult to understand that behavior modification tactics that work with a non bipolar child will not necessarily work on a bipolar child. I desperately want to stay home with my daughter and home school her, but cannot seem to find a telecommuting position so I can work from home. The problems from school are bad and the problem at home are severe. I am looking for a doctor in the Houston/Sugarland area that can treat my daughter properly, not just a canned diagnosis and RX. HELP.

Annette - 04/12/00 14:21:35
My Email:nettie6162@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: 2 bipolar children
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: both boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14 and 11
How old is the child now?: 17 and 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have gone through this heart ache with the son who is now 17 and refuses to take the prescribed medications (zoloft and depakote). He became involved in pot smoking and remains a problem. The 11 yr old is in and out of school due to suspensions because f his behavior. I am at the end of my rope and need all the help I can get for myself and my son.

Lynn Chilton - 04/11/00 19:59:51
My Email:lchilton@mvphealthplan.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5 years
How old is the child now?: 8 years
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have been searching for a support group for years. I have always been told, "sorry, we only service the adult bipolar population." One group even told me that they had never heard of bipolar in children and I may want to have her re-evaluated. I subs ribed to your listserv a few days ago and haven't heard back yet. I would love to be able to speak with others who know what my daughter and our family is going through and has been through.

Kathy - 04/11/00 02:28:24
My Email:gymmom492@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11, but looked for it since 7
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Linda Bell - 04/10/00 21:03:28
My Email:linda_bell@cguusa.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: I don't know
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yet
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has been diagnosed with and treated for ADD since the second grade. He is on Ritilin. I just recently learned about BiPolar, and I believe he may have been misdiagnosed. I have an appointment on 4/19/00 with a family physician well versed in men al health issues for children. Thank you for the information you have provided and for the questionnaire which I will fill out and bring to the doctor.

Susan - 04/10/00 04:44:19
My Email:SMRoo@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
I am a social worker who sees diagnosed bipolar children all the time. I am interested in more information on bipolar children.

Karen - 04/09/00 03:32:29
My Email:kstevars2@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
It feels really good to know that I am not alone.

Michelle Lay - 04/09/00 02:49:44
My Email:PollywogsPond@webtv.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: On my soccer team
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy

Comments:
I just found out today that I have a child on my team with Bipolar disorder. We had a small incident where he collapsed in my arms after he said he got hit by another child. His mom had him in his chair and asked him how he felt inside and his answer was hat the felt like he was dieing inside. That is when his mom took me aside and told me of the disorger. I don't know much about this disease but if I could get some understanding maybe I could better deal with him as he is quite disruptive at times. As wi h all kids I know he has a great deal of potential and I just want to be able to be a great coach to him and help him to be all he can be. Maybe also help him not be picked on by the other kids. Thanks for all and any help you or any one can give me. Mich lle

Kathi Higgison - 04/09/00 02:24:25
My Email:khiggison@home.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I would like to join a support group via e-mail and to chat to parents of bipolar children in a chat room. Thank you Kathi Higgison

Piper - 04/08/00 03:55:11
My Email:WanderedAstrea@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: no

Comments:
Are there any resources available for (not yet bipolar) children of bipolar parents? Both my husband and I are bipolar, and we know that it is sometimes hard for kids to understand. Also, we are aware that they need to learn about the disorder so they can watch for it and handle it in themselves should it occur. Anyone who has ideas, information or input, please e-mail me! Than

Stacey - 04/06/00 00:20:53
My Email:ibetoohyper@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:


Donald Nance - 04/05/00 20:12:22
My Email:dntnance@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My 13 year old has been diagnosed with Bi-Polar, ADHD, Anxiety, and Dislexia (Is all of this possible?!?). He takes 4 different medications, and still is a big problem at home and school. In fact, the school wants him "homebound". My wife and I are at the end of our rope, does anyone have sugestions? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Alicia Wilson - 04/05/00 19:47:21
My Email:mamawilson44dd
Do you have a bipolar child?: I believe so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yey
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:


cheryl volkerts - 04/04/00 18:44:47
My Email:cvolkerts@excite.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: a twin boy
How old is the child now?: 7 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
I was courious to check out anything that might be helpful to us. I am still coming to terms with the fact my son may be bipolar. I'm not quite sure I am ready to agree. We will be going to Stanford U Hospital soon for a second opinion. I am reading a ook called 'The Bipolar Child'. It is very informative.

Allison - 04/04/00 16:41:43
My Email:SANDWCH@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 yrs and suspect on second son
How old is the child now?: they are 12 1/2 yrs
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet--looking for one that deals mainly with children

Comments:
Thank you for this site. I have just spent an hour here wandering around and have found some very useful information. My sons are twins with completely different diagnosis--1 is adhd with bipolar and a string of other tendiencies the other is adhd with oc but I strongly suspect he is bipolar too. We are in the process of finding new drs and treating the bipolar as primary and hoping to have more success than in treating the adhd alone. Would like to talk with others that have bipolar children.

Cassie Miller - 04/04/00 13:36:30
My Email:camiller@owens.cc.oh.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
We have had all those other labels (ADD/ODD/Intermittent Explosive Disorder). Lots of trouble at school - - Now they are trying to take her away form me. I need you guys to get as much information as possible about this disorder so that I can educate no only myself, but to those people who are oblivious to this disorder.

Heidi Hiller - 04/04/00 10:54:45
My Email:HiDArtist@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy, Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10, 11
How old is the child now?: 10, 13
Do you belong to a support group?: Yes, and my son joined one also.
Is the support group in person or on line?: On Line, thru this site. I highly recommend it. My son is also part of a children's online support group.

Comments:
I had visited this site several times prior to receiving the official diagnosis of BP for our son. My daughter's therapist lent us a copy of The Bipolar Child, after she suspected BP with her. Reading that lead me to this site. The information that is resented on this site and the book was so helpful in understanding everything and more importantly helping my kids. I have told my son how lucky he is and we are, now that so much publicity and media attention had been focused on this very treatable diso der, as we were able to figure out what was going on with him very quickly (Less then 1 year). In addition his older sister suffers from severe depression and possibly BP. Unfortunately we did not know as much about BP when she began this long depressiv period with hints of rapid cycling(4 + years ago). I would add one more question to the Guestbook: What age was the child when you began noticing symptoms of BP? I know that the amount of time that passed between first seeing symptoms and actual confi med diagnosis has been shortened as a direct result of the information published! This was the case for us with our 2 kids and I thank all of you for your part in that. :)

wendy whidden-koch - 04/03/00 13:42:18
My Email:mommiesbabies@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
we have gone through every obstacle to get this diagnosis. we were told it was not a mental health issue but a parenting issue until a local social service director who was a family friend stepped in. she is now on respidol and we are seeing small evide ces of hope for the first time in 41/2 years. i'm so glad i found your sight it has been like a life line. thank-you.

Robin - 04/03/00 00:07:59
My Email:Rossseven@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5 1/2
How old is the child now?: 5 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: none

Comments:
My son was just recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and OCD. He was first diagnosed with ADHD and the Ritalin was not helping him but only making him worse. He is now on Valporic Acid. That medication is not helping him and we are a week away from our appointment. He is seeking weekly counseling sessions. Last week he pushed my 2 year old down a flight of carpeted stairs and I am glad that she is not hurt. Since I have 4 other children besides my 5 year old. The therapists thought it was best to put him in his fathers home since he has no other children and could give him more one on one time! I don't know if this is best for him since I was doing everything his therapist was telling me. I really need the support of other bipolar parents!

Laurie Nisbet - 04/02/00 15:58:35
My Email:nisbet_laurie@isus.emc.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 18
How old is the child now?: 18
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I am looking for Support Groups in South Western Maine.

Leslie Deutsch - 04/02/00 08:08:13
My Email:Stretch More @aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 7 and a half
Do you belong to a support group?: not now
Is the support group in person or on line?: it was on-line

Comments:
It's so affirming to hear other parents' experiences with their bipolar kids. The isolation I felt before my son's diagnosis was confirmed was awful. I felt tortured by him much of the time and guilty for having caused such psychological damage in my chil . He's on medication now, but he's far from stabilized; and I'm in-between psychiatrists. I very much need to be in touch with other parents who live with this day after day, struggling to be a good parent to each of your children and knowing that your be t efforts seem to add up to nothing!

Jan Cooper - 04/01/00 13:52:36
My Email:jcwebb@albedo.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:
My daughter was just diagnosed as bipolar this week. It has been a rough 6 months as she has cycled through depression, feeling suicidal, trouble in school and at home. I feel some relief I guess that we have finally found out a cause for this but as I r ad material on the web etc. I feel overwhelmed with what we all will be likely facing in the future. The fact that this likely comes from my side of the family also makes me feel terrible. Our doctor calls it genetic guilt. Thank heaven he is very comp ssionate and helpful. I guess we begin the long road to helping Kat recover and understand her illness. Our family is reeling from this (I have other daughters who are suffering from depression so you can imagine the emotional rollercoaster I get on som times!) but I'll keep looking on your web site for info and support. Thanks for a great place to start looking for family help and support. I know we'll be 'here' a lot. Jan Cooper

Kathleen - 03/31/00 03:19:14
My Email:kbathayil@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: my son
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16 yrs.
How old is the child now?: 16 yrs.
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am a single mom struggling with a bipolar teenage son.

Melissa Curry - 03/30/00 06:22:22
My Email:mcurry3585@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am struggling right now with high school issues. My daughter has learning disabilities in math and English as well as being gifted. Inclusion special ed classes with 30+ students just don't work for her. The only small spec. ed classes are for the re lly lower functioning kids. She gets a lot of negative feedback from her English teachers. I have pulled her out of her present class and am trying to find an appropriate alternative which seems to have the whole high school in an uproar. It is very di couraging. It is nice to know there are others out there going through similar struggles.

Carmen - 03/30/00 05:13:52
My Email:no

Comments:
This is useful for me.My niece is currenltly being considered bipolar. I also work in a daycare.

Debi - 03/30/00 04:27:09
My Email:MUM301@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
am looking for an online support group for myself.

- 03/30/00 04:08:37

Comments:


Jennifer Griffin - 03/29/00 19:05:56
My Email:griffin.3@netzero.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: a sibling
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have been searching for info. on his rights as far as education is concerned. We have been fighting the school to put him in special programs to help him. I need to know what they are required to do by law, so i will know what they are not doing. I wan to get him in an alternative shcool but I need something to work with. He is a good kid, just put to one side because he is the only known case in his school. The teachers are not educated on this and I believe they are scared because of what satistics ay he will be. I have searched the law books on line and have come up with nothing any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

lisa hoppe - 03/29/00 16:56:11
My Email:lisaatwork@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I'd like to know how other families deal with other children in the family when a crisis is going on. We are working on a hospital day-treatment program for my son, but the screening isn't for two more weeks. The other children are affected terribly by th overbearingly annoying behavior that won't let up until crashes and falls asleep.

Jan Wells - 03/29/00 16:01:10
My Email:janwells@umich.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I am so thankful for the new book Bi-Polar Child that lead me to all these sites. My son is now unfortunately getting into the Criminal Justice System due to some of his behaviors. I am really interested in how other parents have handled this. Thank you.< r>
Chanda - 03/29/00 04:22:08
My Email:davenchan@juno.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy age 5 1/2
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 2 1/2
How old is the child now?: 5 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: In person

Comments:
I have had a hard time dealing with my son for as long as I can remember. I went to Doctor after Doctor to only be told that I needed to be more of a parent .I got a really good book that I would recomend to any parent that is tring to under stand what is going on in side their childs minds. It's called The Bipolar Child and the authors are Demitri Papolos, M.D and Janice Papolos. It has all sorts of good stuff in it. After reading it I think I came to the under standing that my son was born with this. I k ow this is all hard for any parent to go through, for now I am having to take medication to over come my own depression because I blamed this all on my self. I just want every one to keep their heads up. I'm a youg mom and after a day with my son and his its I feel about 80. If I can help any one or if any one has any thing they think they can help me with feel free to e-mail me.

Nan - 03/29/00 02:41:12
My Email:raymond@golden.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
LOOKING FOR SUPPORT PLEASE!

BONNIE FORMAN-FRANCO - 03/28/00 22:11:21
My Email:EARLADYBON@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: GIRL
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
PLEASE HELP ME OBTAIN AS MUCH INFORMATION ON THIS CONDITION --IN THE FORM OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ME--AND MY DAUGHTER. WE'D BE FOREVER GRATEFUL.

denigl - 03/28/00 04:03:03
My Email:denigl@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: last week
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:
I'm just happy to find different sites to get some support as all of this is so new to me. Where I always thought she marched to her own drum, I never realized how ill she was until the last few months. We finally had to hospitalize her, which was the h rdest thing I ever had to do. I'm just glad that there are sites like this one to gain support and strength.

SHANNON - 03/26/00 23:07:56
My Email:TIFFANSHANN@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES (3)
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 3 BOYS
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: #1-11YRS, #2 10YRS, #3 IN PROCESS OF DIAGNOSES
How old is the child now?: 11--10--9
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
As a parent of three boys all with Bipolar Disorder this website has been a welcomed relief. My oldest son has Asperger's, Bipolar, OCD and ODD. He is almost 12years old now. He has been diagnosed with all of the above except Asperger's within the last year. The Asperger's Diagnoses came to years prior. Before that we were on a diagnostic merry go round. ADHD, Global Developmental Delays Ect. He is now on Depakote, Prozac and Risperdal. He is finally stabilized. For now anyway. Our middle son is 10 and he was diagnosed with Bip lar about 2 months ago. He has been in treatment for about 1 year for Cyclothimia. We just went through a hospitalization and he is still not stabile. We now have him on Depakote, Topamax and Zyprexa. I pray that we get him stabile very soon. Our thi d son is currently diagnosed with ADHD but I suspect bipolar in him as well. He will be undergoing an evaluation in two weeks. He is 9. With all of my children suffering from this disorder it gives me comfort to go to this website and "hear" other acco nts. Thanks so much!!!!!

TheRachel - 03/25/00 15:51:32
My Email:rachel@5mericans.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 6 - then reversed, till now
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
Please fix the broken links on your page -- many of them no longer exist.

Annette Martens - 03/24/00 20:19:35
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Tracey - 03/24/00 15:15:22
My Email:tawise@unity.ncsu.edu
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Hi! I was hoping that somebody out there could share their experience/strategies, regarding dealing with the school systems. We are in the process of setting up an IEP for my son, and already have heard that our school system requires children diagnosed with BPAD to be classified as BED. His doctor is emphatic about NOT classifying him this way, and wants an OHI classification, instead. We KNOW that there must be a way to achieve this, and I'd love to hear from parents who have successfully fought this attle. Also, I'm very intrigued with the idea of trying the Omega-3 fatty acids on my son, and would love to hear of any experiences with that, as well. Thus far, we have had absolutely NO luck with other medications. Thanks!

Pam Siera - 03/23/00 15:50:35
My Email:psiera@pacbell.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: grandson, his mother
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8 and 28
How old is the child now?: 8 and 28
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: neither

Comments:
After all the struggling, alone, it's wonderful to find others who I feel will really know what I'm talking about. It's a great feeling. Just knowing the correct diagnosis helps me change my expectations and perspective to a more hopeful one. My grands n doesn't need to grow up like his mother. No one ever knew what was wrong with her. Thanks for creating and maintaining this site.

danielle hess - 03/23/00 03:35:30
My Email:wolfpack@elkgrove.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 2 boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10 and 9, respectively
How old is the child now?: same
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet!
Is the support group in person or on line?: hopefully either, preferably in person!

Comments:
Your website helped me tremendously! Even before Oprah aired her show on explosive children last month, I suspected bipolar disorder in my eldest son especially. We've recently gotten our diagnosis (finally!) after sixteen doctors, and mental health pro essionals all together, including 2 neurologists and 2 cat scans and 2 series of MRI's. I'm relieved. I'm also surprised at how 'common' this disorder is, and impressed with the personal stories I've read from other parents on this and other bipolar websites. I'll be surfing this site again for more information soon! thanks!

Neva Thorn Perdue - 03/22/00 20:11:21
My Email:Brillantina@cs.com

Comments:
we are in the diagnosis phase with an 8 year old granddaughter

kathy - 03/22/00 07:31:23
My Email:surfski@aloha.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
i first added my comments then looked at the other comments and was so disturbed. this is only an bitch out page and doesn't offer any help or answers. i want help for my son and place to get him help and everybody turns us away because we don't have mon y. don't send me messages unless you have hope. or isn't there any? i won't stop until i find some and you will still be here.!!!

kathy - 03/22/00 07:24:05
My Email:surfski@aloha.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15yr
How old is the child now?: 15yr
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
i have known that my son had a behavioral disorder since he was a baby and did my best to help him through the years, he was mis-diagnosed with ADD at age 11yr and put on ritalin, this help temporarily and our lives calmed down for the short periods of ti e that the meds had some effect, at 15 years he went out of control and after he ran away and we made alottttt of noise about getting help from the police, the school, (he is certified IDEA) the DOH, ect. he was finally admitted into a mental health hospi al. he was picked up by the police after living on the beach, drunk, stoned, angry, a drop out, runaway, filthy dirty, etc. he has been in a crisis intervention unit for 1 week. during that time he was diagnosed with bipolar and is now receiving treatmen (depicote). the hospital can only keep a few more days and they expect us to bring him home. he is extremely angry and won't come home without running away. he won't last 24 hours at home. he will be on the streets again, stop his meds and the cycle w ll start all over again. the systems claims there are no residential treatment centers for him and that we must take him home. his defiance and anger have not subsided with the meds. what can we do? where can we send him? we need help? please answer. aloha and mahalo, kathy

Christine Palmer - 03/22/00 02:57:47
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 17
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has been in the hospital 6 times since he was 5 years old trying to control his BPD. When he started adolescents is when it became very difficult to control. He would refuse to take his medicine and than he became a danger to himself and others. To ay he is in the hospital again because he has started to use drugs and alcohol and has become very suicidal and ran away from home for a month. Now I am just stuck as what to do for him. He will be 18 years old in August. I really need to place him in a l ng term facility until he is okay again. I am scared to let him come because I have other children in the house and this is the first time he has totally lost control where I am really scared for him and my family. I hope you can help me. I am not very go d with the internet, so maybe you can write me at 1351 NW 18 St., Homestead, FL 33033. I really need Help!!

GAIL PARADISE - 03/22/00 01:46:27
My Email:WWW.MISTY965@WORLDSPY.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: GIRL
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 16
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I AM NEW TO THE INTERNET, BUT I AM SO HAPPY THAT THERE ARE SITES LIKE YOURS TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE ME DEAL WITH THE "HORRORS" OF A CHILD WITH BIPOLAR. MY DAUGHTER ALSO HAS ADHD AND HAS GRAND MAL SEIZURES. SHE HAS BEEN THIS WAY (VIOLENT WITH MOOD SWINGS) SINC INFANCY. I'M JUST GLAD THAT I FOUND YOUR SITE AND CAN GET THE INFORMATION THAT I REALLY NEED. THANK YOU!!!!

Diane M - 03/21/00 21:33:43
My Email:BlondeDi1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES!!!!
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 14 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person

Comments:
It is very sad to see that things are the way they are. I get so frustrated when my son constantly wants to butt heads with me rather than do what he knows he should do. We use all kinds of behavior modifications and reward systems and still he often do s not do what he is supposed to. His personal hygiene is HORRIBLE!!! He does not brush his teeth and chooses not to wash when in the shower. He feels the need to challenge everything I say. He tells the psychologist that it is all just "being a teen" o therefore if my son does not see that there is a problem, the problem can not be corrected. I am getting married in 2 months (May 20th) and am worried about how things will be as the wedding approaches. My son is very happy about the wedding. He is m dicated, Depakote, Prozac and Wellbutrin. I am sorry this is such a mess, but I am writing as I think of things. :o)

Jenni Hooper-Martinsen - 03/21/00 19:02:22
My Email:emtjen1@JUNO.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: I believe so!!
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boys
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: Hasn't been for BP
How old is the child now?: 11 and 12
Do you belong to a support group?: No
Is the support group in person or on line?: N/A

Comments:


margaret - 03/20/00 18:38:50
My Email:rkennedy@tca.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
my daughter was diagnosed in sep of 99 after having to be hospitalized from attacking myself and her sister at the same time.

kim deptula - 03/20/00 11:32:46
My Email:kimberlydeptula@chi-east.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Brenda - 03/19/00 22:28:57
My Email:edgewaterfarm@allegan.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Thank you for your wonderful site!!! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to know that I'm not the only one going thru this. Currently, I'm dealing with the school and the state. My daughter has SAD, Bi-polar, Attachment Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD & allergies. She has been on meds for the bi-polar for 3 years now and has made great improvement. She has lights in the classroom for SAD and we have gone through intensive Rage Reduction therapy to help with the attachment disorder. Eve yday is something new. Thanks again for t Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My daughter has autism (dignosed at age 3). She has become very aggressive during the past year. Her psychiatrist has just diagnosed bipolar 2 in addition to the autism. We've just started on a mood stabilizer so it's too early to tell how well it will work. Wonderful site! Lots of information! Am interested in finding others who have a child with both autism (or on the spectrum) and bipolar.

Patrice Ann Pickering - 03/19/00 17:41:39
My Email:Trice311@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES!
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 15
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
I Need Help! The diognostic struggle has gone on for 12 years. Single mom trying to get bipolar son through this summer(any good programs?) and looking for academic placement for the next 3 high school years. Located in Central PA. Need the experience & w sdom of others.

Kerry - 03/17/00 20:19:01
My Email:boomer1783@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son was hospitized in 1996. I just received the complete file on that hospitalization. They decided in 1996 that he was bi-polar yet no one let me know. It took another hospital stay a few weeks ago to finally have someone tell us that they think he ma be ADHD and bi-polar! I have been looking for help everywhere I can find it since then!

ANGIE - 03/17/00 19:57:32
My Email:WILLIAMSA@AUTONATIONUSA.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: WORKING ON IT.
Is the support group in person or on line?: BOTH

Comments:
I have been reading several of the e-mail letters. I really did not know that there were so many children that are bp. I am so glad to know that I am not alone in this hell.

Laury - 03/16/00 01:57:13
My Email:LaHem60@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: neither

Comments:
I am from Knoxville,TN.,and my child is seeing Dr. Robertson, a child psychiatrist. He is diagnosed with ADHD,anxiety disorder,bi-polar, and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. He is 10 years old, and is an extremely bright child and very loving and precious. His mood swings are like Jekyll and Hyde. When he has an outburst, it is really terrible. However, the medicine is helping alot, thank the Lord. Our little boy has so much to be thankful for -- he has loving parents and grandparents,he is being homeschool d, and he has a relatively stress free life. He still sometimes looks at the negative side of everything. Please pray for us! Thanks~!

lmstarr - 03/15/00 22:48:42
My Email:wecstarrs@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no,but would like to

Comments:
My son first started showing signs of bp at age 4/5, however everyone refused to give a bp diagnosis because it was an "adult" disorder. It is a long hard road!

sandy - 03/15/00 20:57:55
My Email:immom56
Do you have a bipolar child?: supposedly
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: this month 3/00
How old is the child now?: teen-14
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: haven't found one

Comments:
don't know what else to go or where to go we are trying medications ritalin 5 mg at 4:30 am neurontin 300mg tid (had been 400 tid) zyprexa 2.5 started three days ago obstinate behavior anger increase sleep hurtfull/spitefull behavior is taking its toll my husband doesn't aggree with any mental illness diagnosis its PERSONALITY just sedate her or threaten to put away its destroying the fami y also add not hd

Laurie VanCleef - 03/15/00 15:40:54
My Email:vcmouse@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 5 1/2
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
When Erik was diagnosed there was not a lot of info on the subject. We have basically gone it alone for 7 1/2 years. I was amazed to find "The BiPolar Child", and your website. He has overcome so much over these years with his determination, he really is n amazing kid! As he is now in Jr. High, his IEP does not seem to be covering enough. We also moved out of state last year and changed doctors. I'm not thrilled with his care. I'm looking for IEP info and doctor info. The teen years ahead have me apprehen ive and a little scared.

Sharon - 03/15/00 13:21:57
My Email:godshkesak@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: probably
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: not yet diagnosed.
How old is the child now?: 5 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet

Comments:
I've been reading The Bipolar Child by Demitri and Janice Papolos. It's very informative and provides the basic knowledge to answer all of my questions. It's a wonderful start to finally reaching an understanding of what is goind on.

susan reynolds - 03/15/00 06:00:21
My Email:sueerrn1@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


lj - 03/15/00 00:51:15
My Email:w8118j@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no - want to
Is the support group in person or on line?: please advise

Comments:


Tracy - 03/14/00 00:13:28
My Email:mbarbee@alaska.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am hoping to find other parents of bipolar children in Anchorage, Alaska. We do not have a good medical system here for their treatment nor a good program of any type within the school system. Only by finding and supporting each other may we possibly e able to make changes for our children and our families. Please contact me.

Donna - 03/13/00 01:47:25
My Email:bugger3010@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: na

Comments:
We are coming to a time when we need to make ome difficult decisions around Doug to keep our family intact...

Lisa - 03/12/00 21:13:17
My Email:lbeale@iol14.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has Tourette Syndrome,ODD,OCD,ADHD,and BP Disorder. The others were diagnosed at age 8. The BP disorder was just recently diagnosed. We have our hands FULL!! I was so happy to find this page.

Kimberly Wood - 03/12/00 20:00:56
My Email:Kaw2419@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


janette - 03/12/00 02:19:06
My Email:squarepegs@ccnmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am interested in learning all I can about biploar in kids. And would like to talk with other parents who have children who are also bipolar. Janette

Elisabeth Coble - 03/11/00 00:02:56
My Email:ec6645@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Susan Burns - 03/10/00 22:48:37
My Email:burns_william@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: two
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl/boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8/11
How old is the child now?: 8/11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Desperately seeking medical expertise on bipolar children in the Tampa,FL area. Willing to travel to wherever it takes!

Carolyn Murillo - 03/10/00 00:40:55
My Email:CMur0723@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
Do you belong to a support group?: NO can't find one

Comments:


Kathy cUNNINGHAM - 03/08/00 23:42:56
My Email:JOHN6175@MSC.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: GIRL
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 14
How old is the child now?: 15
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
VERY INTERESTED IN TREATMENT

Susan Small - 03/08/00 20:10:59
My Email:ssmall@gogalpin.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no - we need one

Comments:
We need to find a support group. Matthew was diagnosed with Bipolar after spending 3 weeks in the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital. He has a Section 504 Plan in place, was denied special ed services. However, he continues to struggle with appropriate beh vior in the classroom, so much of his time is spent in a resource room. Psychiatrist is adjusting medication. Matthew needs to know there are other kids his age going through the same thing. Originally, Matthew was disagnosed with depression and ADHD - until he was hospitalized due to suicide threat. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Katie Isbel - 03/08/00 15:00:38
My Email:Isbelpack@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 5 1/2
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: no

Comments:
The doctors say that my son is severe ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, separation anxiety, poss depression, and a few other "disorders". They don't want to label him bipolar because he is so young. This has affected our whole family and I am in desp rate need of answers and how to deal with him. Traditional approaches do not help and it is almost impossible to discipline him. Any info you can direct my way would be greatly appreciated.

Sheree - 03/08/00 06:12:17
My Email:asjones42airmail.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: friend does
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
I am looking for support and information specifically regarding the use of lithium to treat bipolar and arthritis medications. My friends son is arthritic and really needs antiinflammatories, but doc say it doesn't mix with lithium?? Can anyone help us o t...

Louise Booth - 03/08/00 02:53:57
My Email:louisehb@pacbell.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Just heard about this site from the book The Bipolar Child; I'm sure I'll be back!

V. Mancini - 03/08/00 00:23:07
My Email:jvmancin@telsuplanet.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 18
How old is the child now?: 19
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am looking for a on line support group. I am having some difficulty doing so and because we live in a small community I is important that we find something. We have many questions and our local mental health office soes not have many answers. Vickie

Rebecca Miller - 03/07/00 20:43:58
My Email:Bm781@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Do you have any good groups in the central florida area including any medical expertise in Orlando

Kenneth Smith - 03/07/00 11:47:11
My Email:kesmith@massmed.org
Do you have a bipolar child?: We now believe so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
Our daughter, Haley, was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder after she had a relapse of psychotic symptoms while on Anafronil. She is now on Zyrtec and Zyprexa. I learned about this site after reading the new book, The Bipolar Child. Keep up your ood work! Thanks.

KLNUCKOLLS - 03/07/00 05:29:46
My Email:K63N@AOL.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: FORMARLY-15
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
INFORMALLY DIAGNOSED AT AGE 5. FINALLY FORMALLY, ONLY MANY YEARS LATER AT AGE 15. PLEASE DIRECT ME TO SUPPORT GROUPS. I AM EAGER FOR ANY INFO OUT THERE. IS THERE ANY CHAT ROOMS W/ PARENTS OF BIPOLAR CHILDREN? I WOULD LOVE THE SUPPORT. THANKS

Priscilla - 03/07/00 03:47:05
My Email:pspinningwheel@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son was just recently diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. I adopted him at the age of 6 and found out later his mother and two of his uncles were also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At this point I am overwhelmed since medication has not seemed t "even him out". In the past couple of weeks I have been called more foul names than I have in my entire life(actually before this I was never called names). All the peace and tranquility I once had in my life is gone. I am single and do not have a str ng family support but I do have some very dear friends who offer to take my son to give me some respite. I would love to hear from others in my prediciment. Thanks for listening

Monica Beck - 03/06/00 15:58:51
My Email:monica8942@aol
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
Your website was very helpful and informative. Thank you!!!

Kathy - 03/05/00 18:53:14
My Email:kaysal123@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: possibly
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: in the process
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, OCS, anxiety and depression. He's been on Prozac for the OCD and depression for a couple of year. While he initially improved he is starting to go downhill. I saw "The Bipolar Child" in the book store, then later he rd about it on Oprah. I'm finding a lot of similarities to my child and am doing some research.

Kathie James - 03/04/00 20:55:08
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I found out about this site from reading about it in The Bipolar Child. I saw the recent Oprah show with Drs Papolos. What a wonderful book! I am learning so much- and educating my doctor. I excited to find this site- finally a source of information and s ppport!

Debbie Pagelsdorf - 03/04/00 15:15:12
My Email:ButtrFngr1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Doc thinks so
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: Boy
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
Excellent sight!

Theresa Aperawic - 03/03/00 19:50:33
My Email:theresa.aperawic@osha.gov
Do you have a bipolar child?: grandchild also ADHD
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: no not yet

Comments:
We want all the information we can get to help our grandson

Holly - 03/03/00 09:13:31
My Email:Kandy224
Do you have a bipolar child?: no but but I have a nephew
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: At first he was dianosed w/ADD....13
How old is the child now?: 13

Comments:
My nephew and his family need help with this. This is a great webpage.

K. Hobbs - 03/03/00 03:25:30
My Email:bsut777
Do you have a bipolar child?: no
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am a teacher researching some information about bipolar disorder. I believe that I may have a student that is being diagnosed.

Crissy Kitchell - 03/03/00 00:47:16
My Email:MEKEEELLIS
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9 3/4
How old is the child now?: 9 3/4
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
I'M JUST TRYING TO FIND ALL OF THE INFO I CAN ON EARLY-ONSET BIPOLAR.

Corby Bronson - 03/02/00 07:08:33
My Email:corbyb@fschealth.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Allegra Andersen - 03/02/00 01:37:21
My Email:allegra@zipcon.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: don't know yet
How old is the child now?: 12

Comments:


Terry - 03/01/00 21:39:08
My Email:t_slink@yahoo.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Grandson
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I am actively involved in the life of my grandson who is bipolar. I am tutoring everyday after school because of the stress on the rest of the family of 3 siblings. Parents of these children have to be applauded for their courage. I have lots of patienc but my grandson tests it everyday. At least I get to leave. My heart breaks for him because I see him really trying but also see the bi-polar behavior winning out most of the time. He is currently responding to medication and reading the book, The Bi- olar Child, helped me a lot to understand some of his behavior. I am a Nurse-Practitioner and and glad to see that the public is being better educated about this devastating illness but we as health-care givers and family members need to further the knowl dge from the child's and families aspect.

deanna grinnell - 03/01/00 17:16:15
My Email:chrisgrinnell@hotmail.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
we are still in the process of getting my son diagnosed. He has a therapist who is excellent and she told me about your website. I would just like to say thankyou. It's nice to know there are other people out there going through what i am.

La Donna Cain - 03/01/00 00:03:18
My Email:lcain@ameren.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:


- 02/29/00 20:32:10

Comments:


Samantha L. Coon - 02/29/00 20:29:05
My Email:CSAMJAM1@aol.com

Comments:
I just signed in and did not type the correct e-mail address. Sorry the one above is the correct one.

Samantha L. Coon - 02/29/00 20:26:27
My Email:CSAJAM1@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes/RAD/ADHD/personality disorder
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: seven
How old is the child now?: nine
Do you belong to a support group?: not yet/just found this sight
Is the support group in person or on line?: hopefully I will find both

Comments:
I am really struggling with my daughter. We have been in therapy for two years but she has not improved behaviour wise or anything. She is on zoloft, clonidine, risperdal, neurotin and now adderall. We just moved to FT. Bragg and I have just found all the new doctors, who want to hospitalize her for the first ong term. She is gradually losing her ability to functin in any setting whether at school, home or anywhere. I am haveing touble differentiating bewtween the bipolar and behaviour problems, ect. Right now I know no other parent who has a chiold as difficult as Ali. I could you use all the support and advice that is out there. I woould be so very grateful. She is isolating herself from everyone, cannot make any friends and cries or goes into a rage all he time. Holding on to the Lord Samantha

Kristen - 02/29/00 16:18:26
My Email:ourzoo@dtgnet.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
My son is currently on meds that seem to be working very well, Clonidine and Risperdal. I am worried however about the effects of puberty on this illness, any help would be appreciated.

Donna Millican - 02/29/00 14:42:42
My Email:djmillican@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: 2 of them
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: both girls
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12 & 13
How old is the child now?: 12 & 17
Do you belong to a support group?: Yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: In person -NAMI group

Comments:
My husband has bipolar and so do both of our daughters. Our 17 year old is diagnosed schizoaffective due to hallucinatory activity when first diagnosed. She continues to be resistant to medications and hospitalized off and on. She did best on Risperdal and Lithium. She had those meds changed due to some side effects and nothing has been the same since. Dr. Papolos' book has been very helpful in working with doctors and schools and we recommend it to everyone. By the way my husband and 12 year old are doing great on Depakote/Tegretol and Wellbutrin.

Shirley - 02/29/00 13:53:13
Do you have a bipolar child?: perhaps
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: in process
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
I have just recently discovered that I might be able to find support online. Thanks so much to the parents who invested energy to make this possible. I know that support from other parents might make our lives so much easier.

Christina - 02/28/00 23:11:55
My Email:sherbert@orofino-id.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: ADHD/violent, OCD 5 1/2
How old is the child now?: 9 years
Do you belong to a support group?: There aren't any locally.
Is the support group in person or on line?: n/a

Comments:
When my sweet, loving, beautiful son first stayed awake all day (2 days old), I felt that something was different about him. The tantrums started at about 14 mo. He threw a childrens wooden rocker at me from accross the room at 18 mo. The tantrums got to he point that they may run 1 - 4 hours and number 1 - 5 episodes per day. His pediatrician suggested that we needed to "be firm with him and show him who's in charge." I found another dr. he was diagnosed as ADHD PLUS (plus what ,they can't seem to tell u ) and slight OCDs. One psych suggested bi-polar and started risperdahl. This was the single greatest improvement for him in almost three years of trying different meds. Unfortunately this dr. moved out of state and the new dr. says a bi-polar diagnosis is not possible to make in one so y young....Got and read through about half of bi-polar child. Now, I think I'll be able to find some help for him....thanks so much!

- 02/28/00 21:20:42
My Email:RONNIE70@AOL
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: BOY
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 8.8YRS
How old is the child now?: SAME
Do you belong to a support group?: NO

Comments:
MY CHILD WAS JUST DIAGN A FEW MNS AGO DURING AN INPATIENT STAY AT A PSYCH HOSP & I'M LOOKING FOR INFO & PROGRAMS AVAIL TO US. ANY INFO YOU HAVE WOULD BE WONDERFUL. I JUST STARTED LOOKING ON THE COMPUTER TODAY & I JUST BOUGHT A BOOK CALLED "THE BIPOLAR CHI D" TO BEGIN MY RESEARCH. I FEEL OVERWHELMED W/EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON & FEEL LIKE I'M DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR ANSWERS.

Mary Bryan - 02/28/00 18:41:25
My Email:bryanm@guilford.k12.nc.us
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son is being admitted to a residential program in Durham, NC on March 6th. He will come home on the weekends and'practice' learned behavior. My hopes are that his medication will be stabilized and changed as needed. I am divorced and have no family in then area. My exhusband blames a good deal on me.

Marlene Wastell - 02/27/00 03:29:58
My Email:mar55@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: girl
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7 with ADH
How old is the child now?: 12
Do you belong to a support group?: No

Comments:
ADHD meds aren't working well and the doctor has discussed the possibility of bipolar disorder. Child is taking neurontin, as well as dexedrine, which, from what I'm reading, isn't a good combination. I'm just starting to investigate this, but our family, especially my child, has been suffering for a long time.

Marlene Wastell - 02/27/00 03:26:57
My Email:mar55@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Maybe
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 12
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 7 with ADH

Comments:


Barbara Conder - 02/26/00 14:59:28
My Email:acrosstheboard@uswest.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son was misdiagnosed with ADHD at age 6. He was on many different kinds of medication that obviously did not help, but only exaserbated the condition of bipolar. He was an outpatient in the Cleo Wallace Center in Denver. He was not only misdiagnosed again, but put on such a high dosage of stimulants that he pretty much "lost it." By the luck of the draw, I chose a psychiatrist from out insurance list who specializes in early onset bipolar. We got the diagnosis about a year ago. Things have improve , but we are still dealing with many of the same issues. The condition is still evident, just not as extreme. We need to continue to adjust medication.

Ileana Flores - 02/26/00 03:56:49
My Email:dficf@bellsouth.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: Yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 3 years
How old is the child now?: 17 years
Do you belong to a support group?: Not now.

Comments:


Kim Wilkins - 02/26/00 01:05:17
My URL:http://ziplink.net/~twilkens
My Email:twilkens@ziplink.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: not dx, but maybe, trying to learn
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: dx aspergers at 6
Do you belong to a support group?: yes.. for autism
Is the support group in person or on line?: both.. for autism

Comments:
I like your site. My son Does not have a dx of bipolar, but he is on the autism spectrum, and exibits these behaviors. I am trying to learn about bipolar. Thanks for having such a well put together site to learn from

Nancy Williams - 02/25/00 18:14:47
My Email:nancywill2@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


sheila anne magee - 02/25/00 02:34:18
My Email:clodcat@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 13
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
My son was just diagnosed. His therapist suggested we read "the bipolar child". It fits to a "t". Originally, he was being treated for depression n.o.s. now the real fun begins. Hopefully with a diagnosed it will make our lives easier.

Cheryl - 02/24/00 15:14:16
My Email:gadgetsmom@excite.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: unsure
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 11
How old is the child now?: 11
Do you belong to a support group?: not for BP
Is the support group in person or on line?: both

Comments:
My son has had behavioral issues since birth. We have investigated many reasons for his behavior over the years, and found that there are several layers, ranging from easy fixes (large adnoids blocking his nasal airflow) to perplexing (dyslexia and dysgr phia combined with giftedness). Recently, he has been diagnosed with Affective Disorder - NOS. I believe that he has experienced both mania and depression, but we have no documentation as his mood swings were always assumed to be the effect of his other issues. I believe that the diagonis of BP is not far away, and would be interested in speaking with other parents of children with multiple issues, especially in regards to services at school.

Lesa - 02/23/00 05:40:03
My Email:sam@altelco.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 13
Do you belong to a support group?: Did
Is the support group in person or on line?: Was in person

Comments:
Would love to share or hear from anyone interested. My son has been diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar symptoms,and ODD. I have also been suffering from depression on and off since his diagnosis, and crisis situations I have had to deal with. I am al o a single parent of three. My other two children are 18 and 19 and still living at home while attending High School and College. My support group recently disolved and I'm looking for persons that understand, and that I can help as well. Thanks for li tening.

JULIE - 02/22/00 06:12:15
My Email:JULINTHERM@CS.COM
Do you have a bipolar child?: YES,
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: 2 BOYS
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 9,14
How old is the child now?: 10,15
Do you belong to a support group?: NO
Is the support group in person or on line?: NO

Comments:
HELLO,I'M THE MOTHER OF TWO BOY THAT HAVE BIPOLAR, IT STARTED FOR THEM AT THE AGE OF 3,6. BUT WE DID'NT FIND OUT THAT IT WAS BIPOLAR UNTILL LAST YEAR.THERE ARE DAYS THAT MY HOME IS CRAZY, CAUSE I ALSO HAVE BIPOLAR I HAVE BEEN GOING THOUGH THIS SINCE THE AGE OF 5. IT REALLY IS A HARD ILLNESS TO HAVE TO LIV WITH AND THEN TO HAVE OTHER KIDS WITH THE SAME ILLNESS.I ALSO HAVE THREE OTER KIDS THAT SHOW SIGNS OF POSSIBLE BIPOLAR. I MOST WORRY ABOUT MY 2 YEAR OLD..I KNOW THAT WE WILL PROBALLY HAVE TO STAY ON MEDS FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JULIE

Karisma Doughty - 02/22/00 05:53:41
My Email:Karisma11@uswest.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
How old is the child now?: 10
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:


Lori - 02/21/00 02:46:27
My Email:Thebor22@cs.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: Teacher of
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
I have had much succes working with this particular child and one other. I would just like to share my experiences with parents and other professionals.

jeanmarie lopez - 02/20/00 04:54:07
My Email:jmfinigan@aol.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
newly diagnosed, just stabilized. it still hasn't hit me, what just happened over the last 2 months

Donna Salerno - 02/19/00 21:13:53
My Email:donnasalerno@mindspring.com
Do you have a bipolar child?: unsure, current diagnosis is ADHD
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: ADHD fianaly at age 7
Do you belong to a support group?: no
Is the support group in person or on line?: does not apply

Comments:
I am researching information. I am a parent who currently has ADD and Depression, however, feel that I have other problems that are undiagnoisised at this time, as well as, my son who is defiantely ADHD & seems to have other problems as well, he is growning old and older and I do not ish my children to suffer, each day is a tremendious struggle, and feels like it is endless, hopeless, and without the rainbow after the storm. I am trying to figure it out, since the doctors seem to only take on the idea that I am just a poor parent. (Not to put down the medical profession, I do have a very nice pediatrician, who after many, many doctors and phychiatrics finally gave my son th ADHD diagnosis, I knew he had and is treating him for that, I just know there is something more. No one ever deals with families with a parent with ADD/Depression etc. AND children with ADHD etc all living within one roof. I have read books, taken on the advice from every where I can find, and either I have tried it, done it endlessly to find my effort was useless, well, I could go on and on. Thank you for the website, and the valuable information.

Kim Goforth - 02/19/00 15:37:12
My Email:go4th@globaleyes.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 10
How old is the child now?: 14
Do you belong to a support group?: no

Comments:
This is fabulous! This page went on my favorites list immediately.

Jane Jenken - 02/19/00 07:22:13
My Email:jenken@csource.net
Do you have a bipolar child?: yes
If so, is the child a boy or girl?: boy
At what age was the child first diagnosed?: 12
How old is the child now?: 16
Do you belong to a support group?: yes
Is the support group in person or on line?: in person