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Mood Disorder - not otherwise specified - first post
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<blockquote data-quote="slsh" data-source="post: 301287" data-attributes="member: 8"><p>Hi Dad and welcome-</p><p> </p><p>My difficult child was an ultra rapid cycler, up and down and all around multiple times a day. His rages could last for hours. We finally got a bipolar diagnosis at age 6 and started a mood stabilizer (Depakote) along with Risperdal. Within 6 weeks of starting the mood stabilizer, we went from multiple cycles a day to multiple a week to, at his best, generalized irritability and defiance (but manageable) for 2 months and then 1 month of gradual escalation to a major meltdown (usually requiring hospitalization due to homicidal or suicidal gestures). Hmmm... rereading this, I'm sure you're thinking you probably *don't* want to consider our experience, LOL. </p><p> </p><p>But seriously, in kiddos with mood disorders, a mood stabilizer is generally considered the first line defense. It's really difficult because I think in hindsight depression also was a huge contributor to my son's struggles but generally speaking antidepressants are iffy in the pediatric population. I'm partial to mood stabilizers because a lot of them have been used in children with epilepsy (Tegretol, Depakote) so there's at least some clinical data on side effects and reactions. Over the years, we tried a couple of antidepressants/antianxiety medications - he had a very stable period for a while on the combination of Depakote, Celexa, and Risperdal (which over the years did a decent job of curbing his violence). As a mid teenager, propranolol, Risperdal, and Depakote held the cycling down and also curbed his tendency towards violence.</p><p> </p><p>My son also would flip over the most innocent of requests - take a shower, brush teeth, get dressed. Again in hindsight, I think it wasn't the request specifically that would trigger him. It was that I was making a request, period. That oppositionality is a real bear and I can't say that we ever figured out how to manage it (nor did staff in his placements). It's still a huge issue for him, which of course makes employment an interesting proposition. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /></p><p> </p><p>Anyway - just our experience. Unfortunately, all our kids are different and there's no sure tried and true medication combo or therapy that works for everyone. Much of it is trial and error. You're certainly not alone in dealing with- a kiddo who cycles frequently. It's exhausting.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="slsh, post: 301287, member: 8"] Hi Dad and welcome- My difficult child was an ultra rapid cycler, up and down and all around multiple times a day. His rages could last for hours. We finally got a bipolar diagnosis at age 6 and started a mood stabilizer (Depakote) along with Risperdal. Within 6 weeks of starting the mood stabilizer, we went from multiple cycles a day to multiple a week to, at his best, generalized irritability and defiance (but manageable) for 2 months and then 1 month of gradual escalation to a major meltdown (usually requiring hospitalization due to homicidal or suicidal gestures). Hmmm... rereading this, I'm sure you're thinking you probably *don't* want to consider our experience, LOL. But seriously, in kiddos with mood disorders, a mood stabilizer is generally considered the first line defense. It's really difficult because I think in hindsight depression also was a huge contributor to my son's struggles but generally speaking antidepressants are iffy in the pediatric population. I'm partial to mood stabilizers because a lot of them have been used in children with epilepsy (Tegretol, Depakote) so there's at least some clinical data on side effects and reactions. Over the years, we tried a couple of antidepressants/antianxiety medications - he had a very stable period for a while on the combination of Depakote, Celexa, and Risperdal (which over the years did a decent job of curbing his violence). As a mid teenager, propranolol, Risperdal, and Depakote held the cycling down and also curbed his tendency towards violence. My son also would flip over the most innocent of requests - take a shower, brush teeth, get dressed. Again in hindsight, I think it wasn't the request specifically that would trigger him. It was that I was making a request, period. That oppositionality is a real bear and I can't say that we ever figured out how to manage it (nor did staff in his placements). It's still a huge issue for him, which of course makes employment an interesting proposition. ;) Anyway - just our experience. Unfortunately, all our kids are different and there's no sure tried and true medication combo or therapy that works for everyone. Much of it is trial and error. You're certainly not alone in dealing with- a kiddo who cycles frequently. It's exhausting. [/QUOTE]
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