Childhood onset bipolar disorder

[Anonymous]

I am having issues getting my son into see a pediatric psychiatrist I have had recommendations from his therapist but none of them seem to be willing to take on a five year old child. I have contacted Children's several times for an appointment but they aren't exactly sure where we should be seen or by whom.

I watched a documentary on HBO about this disorder and children and I know that I need to get him to see someone and soon.

http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100105167780/Latest-News/the-heartache-of-bipolar-disorder-franklin-family-tells-its-story-in-an-hbo-documentary-detroit-free-press.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am having issues getting my son into see a pediatric psychiatrist I have had recommendations from his therapist but none of them seem to be willing to take on a five year old child. I have contacted Children's several times for an appointment but they aren't exactly sure where we should be seen or by whom.

I watched a documentary on HBO about this disorder and children and I know that I need to get him to see someone and soon.

http://behavioralhealthcentral.com/index.php/20100105167780/Latest-News/the-heartache-of-bipolar-disorder-franklin-family-tells-its-story-in-an-hbo-documentary-detroit-free-press.html

Dr. Stanley Greenspan would see him. He sees children far younger than that even. It might be a wait of a couple months. But you could ask them to put you on a cancellation list so that you'd be called if somebody called. But I bet he would be very helpful to you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the recommendation. Does anyone else have any?

[Anonymous]

i would try a developmental ped first -- global perspective -- and then get a rec for a psychiatrist. we see chuck conlon. very smart guy. 5 yo is young and there may be other issues that need to be addressed.

[Anonymous]

I did some reading and was convinced that my DC (at age 6) had bipolar disorder. After many evaluations, his diagnosis is ADHD. I'd recommend that you start with an evaluation at Children's Hospital.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did some reading and was convinced that my DC (at age 6) had bipolar disorder. After many evaluations, his diagnosis is ADHD. I'd recommend that you start with an evaluation at Children's Hospital.

I forgot to add that you should tell them that you'd like to schedule a neuropsychological evaluation for your DC. They'll send you some forms to fill out.

[Anonymous]

Try Dr. Randolph Frank in Arlington

[Anonymous]

Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

Contact the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did some reading and was convinced that my DC (at age 6) had bipolar disorder. After many evaluations, his diagnosis is ADHD. I'd recommend that you start with an evaluation at Children's Hospital.

I forgot to add that you should tell them that you'd like to schedule a neuropsychological evaluation for your DC. They'll send you some forms to fill out.

This is not a self diagnosis. DS has spent nearly a year with a psychologist who believes he is bipolar and our pediatrician believes this as well. DS was manic during an exam with the pediatrician who told me to go ahead and drive him to the ER at Children's if he was behaving this way again. Admittedly there were two instances which probably called for this but we just rode it out. DH's psychologist gave us a list of psychiatrists to call but none of them would see DS because of his young age.

I did try to get a neuro psych evaluation for him but was told that without suspicion of autism it couldn't be done.

I called the psychiatric department at Children's again, yesterday, and was told they would contact me again in a few days. Great, I really don't have a few days. This is a child who bites, kicks, claws, cries, chews through electrical wiring, and tries to hang from ceiling fans. He isn't always this way there are times when he wishes to do nothing more than watch tv, sort blocks, and line up dinosaurs.

We are located in PG county and the closer the provider is to us the better. I have one child in school and no one to watch him while I have his brother at a doctor in VA or even Bethesda. You never really know what traffic is going to be like and I have been stuck in traffic on the way back from Bethesda, nearly missing the bus, once or twice before.

[Anonymous]

Could you share what sorts of behavior issues there are?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you share what sorts of behavior issues there are?

Sorry. Just saw the 19:24 post.

[Anonymous]

i think it's really weird that any pediatric psychiatrist would refuse to treat a 5 year old child. there are 5 year olds on meds for adhd, prescribed by psychiatrists. my dd was seen by a psychiatrist at children's when she was 3, for suspected adhd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i think it's really weird that any pediatric psychiatrist would refuse to treat a 5 year old child. there are 5 year olds on meds for adhd, prescribed by psychiatrists. my dd was seen by a psychiatrist at children's when she was 3, for suspected adhd.

I have a feeling that this is because it's not ADHD (which was his original diagnosis) and it seems to be something so much bigger.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I, too, find it odd that they refuse to evaluate him. Just what do they expect you to do with him? At least if you went to an ER when he was like that you might get some help.

I have a close friend with a 6 year old that sounds similar to your DS. She had him evaluated at Children's in Fairfax. They're not sure exactly what's going on with him. He's definitely got ADHD but he also has the mania you describe and agression. They've actually got him on low doses of an anti-psychotic medication to help control his explosiveness.

We see Dr. Chuck Conlon in Bethesda and have been very happy with him. In the same office is a neuropsychiatrist that people have spoken highly about. You might also call your local Child Find. They're required by law to evaluate if you request it. Good luck.