Childhood onset bipolar disorder

[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.

That is because of his age -we are talking about something much more serious here. OP -I am a psychologist and I would get a second opinion if I were you regarding your son's psychologists recommendation -while it is possible that he has some aggressive behaviors it is very rare to find childhood bipolar disorder in a child that young. I hope you can get in with someone at children's perhaps a developmental psychologist (try Penny Glass at Children's) to rule out that there is not something medical or developmental that is contributing to his behavior. Lastly, the last thing you want to do is start loading your 5 y/o up with meds for an incorrect diagnosis. I do not mean to sound like I am discounting your question or concern -it's just that I have seen so many youngsters walk through the door on tons of medication that could have been avoided if the family sough a 2nd opinion or a component clinician.

good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

Penny Glass should be avoided. She tells everyone the exact same things regardless of what is wrong with your child.

I'd try to get in to see Stanley Greenspan if you can. He has seen it all and I understand he is easy to reach in emergencies. If you get on the waitlist for a cancellation the wait shouldn't be too long. I don't know that you would have to go that often once you have a good treatment plan in place. He is also good at understanding the whole family constellation and what support parents or sibs might need.

Good luck to you OP and to your little boy. There is a history of BP disorder in my husband's family so I am always looking for signs. I know that there have been a few threads, you might do a search and see if any docs are recommended. I know that there are several moms in your shoes on the mothering.com SN board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Penny Glass should be avoided. She tells everyone the exact same things regardless of what is wrong with your child.

I very much doubt that she tells everyone the exact same thing. Even if she did, how in the world would you know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Penny Glass should be avoided. She tells everyone the exact same things regardless of what is wrong with your child.

I very much doubt that she tells everyone the exact same thing. Even if she did, how in the world would you know?

Because I happen to know several families who have gone to see her. They all are told very similar things and none have found her helpful. Upon moving on to other docs the kids have gotten a range of diagnoses and treatment plans. I don't think OP has time to waste waiting for an appointment with someone who is not likely to help much. It sounds like time is of the essence. My post was meant in the spirit of trying to help OP identify someone who would be likely to be able to help her with her child.

[Anonymous]

OP, check out this thread I started a few months ago -- a few people mentioned names of psychiatrists I think.

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/69935.page

[Anonymous]

I would pursue a psych evaluation BUT go and get him tested for vitamins, minerals, yeast, bacterials infections, etc, etc. Do the full blood, urine, hair workup. SO many neurological symptoms can be caused by bacterial infections, metals, etc. You don't want to medicate for something that could be cleaned up naturally.

[Anonymous]

i have a child with behavior issues, so i know how hard it can be op.

i have a few thoughts.

i agree with the recommendations for both greenspan and conlon. i'd try to get on both of their scheds now and go to whomever opens up first or perhaps both, since they are different specialties (greenspan=psychiatrist; conlon=developmental ped).

i would also take him to an ER during a manic episode. children's.

if you are being pushed off because autism is not suspected, tell them you suspect autism. whatever gets you into the neuropsych eval.

i don't think penny glass is the right choice here.

[Anonymous]

Matthew Biel at Georgetown Hospital is also very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, check out this thread I started a few months ago -- a few people mentioned names of psychiatrists I think.

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/69935.page

One rec was Danny Pine

http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/research/pi/pi_pine_d.html

http://www.rosscenter.com/the_ross_center/ross_center_staff

Since graduating from medical school at the University of Chicago, Dr. Pine has been engaged continuously in research focusing on the epidemiology, biology and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. His areas of expertise include biological and pharmacological aspects of mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in children, as reflected in a series of more than 200 papers on these topics.

[Anonymous]

Another was for Dr. Paramjit Joshi at Children's National Medical Center.

Dr. Joshi has been studying mood disorders for over two decades and also has expertise in the study of psychological effects of violence, crisis, and trauma in children. She has received numerous grants to direct research and is currently conducting a multi-site study on the treatment of early age mania.

[Anonymous]

OP, this must me rough, I feel for you. I work in the mental health field, and I agree w/ the PPs who suggested taking your son to the hospital during manic episodes, not only to help address the episode, but to provide a "paper trail" which may make a psychiatrist take things more seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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 didn't have this problem with the Kennedy Krieger Institute. I called for an appt for my daughter a few weeks ago because my DD's teacher is saying some weird things about my DD. I don't have any other reason except that. No suspicion of autism. I got an appt for two weeks later. Ended up canceling it because I need more proof than one teacher's opinions before I spend thousands of dollars. Also, I live in PG County so driving to Baltimore isn't so bad. Trying calling them. http://www.kennedykrieger.org/

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would pursue a psych evaluation BUT go and get him tested for vitamins, minerals, yeast, bacterials infections, etc, etc. Do the full blood, urine, hair workup. SO many neurological symptoms can be caused by bacterial infections, metals, etc. You don't want to medicate for something that could be cleaned up naturally.

Where would you recommend having this done? I'm guessing that our ped would be clueless about this stuff. Is it possible to get insurance to cover any of it or is it all out of pocket? Our insurance covers Quest and LabCorp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, this must me rough, I feel for you. I work in the mental health field, and I agree w/ the PPs who suggested taking your son to the hospital during manic episodes, not only to help address the episode, but to provide a "paper trail" which may make a psychiatrist take things more seriously.

Totally agree with this. Would also get some documentation from your ped from the episode that he/she witnessed. I'd probably go to the Children's ER. Possibly Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

In Prince Georges County there's The Crisis Response System. 301-429-2185 (24 hour hotline). I happen to have their brochure because I am a foster parent. They advertise that they offer assessment, triage, care management and info-referral. There's an urgent care clinic for people who need an emergency, one-time assessment by a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. And there's an in-home family intervention team gives in-home visits "for stabilization and to decrease the risk of unnecessary hospitalization."

So if you get completely desperate, you could try this.