Got Results on my Son and Question

[KatWrangler]

The Psychologists office called this morning and asked where they could send the results. I have been doing laundry all freaking day (free laundry day here on our complex ) and it wasn't till late that I was able to call them. The Receipionist couldn't tell me the results over the phone so the Doc called us back.

The Doc talked with my husband and it looks like ADHD. But a mild case. Or so the Doc says. Now when we were in his office a couple of weeks ago he was leaning toward ADHD without Hyperactivity. Not sure if that was his final conclusion or not.

I should have the report in a couple of days.

Right now the plan is to set up an appointment with a Ped Psychiatrist for this Fall. When he goes back to school next month we will get the opinion of his 1st grade teacher on how he acts in class.

The Psychologist is concerned about putting him on meds. My husband has Bipolar II. The Psychologist said meds for ADHD can trigger BP. Has anyone heard that?

I do know BP is hereditary. But where my husband got it, I don't know. But my husband is worried he has passed it on to our son. My son acts alot like Daddy did at this age.

Sigh... it's always something....

[karenstir7]

I have never heard of meds triggering BP but I'm not a doctor. However I have heard that often when there is one condition there is another. I'm glad you finally got your diagnoses and hopefully you will be able to help your son have a successful school year.

I just read a great book called Organizing the Disorganized Child. It was written by Martin L. Kutscher and Marcella Moran. It was an easy read with some great ideas for organization. Specifically the sticky note calendar for homework. Check it out it may help you guys with your challenges.

[LynnS6]

I think the concern with the ADHD meds is that they are stimulants. If your ds has BP rather than ADHD (or in addition to), the stimulants could really amp him up and trigger a manic episode. I don't think they could trigger BP, but I could be wrong. I do know that the meds used for the 2 are very different.

[logan&jordansmommy]

If the stimulants is the concern you could try one of the non stimulant meds if you go that route. We use straterra for my son and it is working pretty good. No side effects.

[34me]

You might want to google (or not - it may be TMI) "early onset BiPolar". Anecdotally quite a few kids are diagnosed with ADHD and start stimulents that really trigger the EOBP. Or if kiddos are dx with both it is a heavy balancing act because the stimulents and mood stabilizers don't seem to be friends.

Good luck. It is a balancing act.

[KatWrangler]

Thank you everyone. I am going to do some googling today. I am also going to start making calls on finding a Ped Psychiatrist. I know it will take months to get in, but thats ok.

[kme]

I will echo what several others have said...I don't think? the stimulants "trigger" BP (I mean you either have it or you don't) but if in fact your son actually does have BP, the stimulants could make it worse.

My oldest son has ADHD and before he started his meds, we were required to get an EEG (to rule out seizures), an EKG (to rule out heart problems) and the psychologist evaluated him for BP along with other disorders. I was actually concerned about BP b/c I know it can mimic ADHD in children and he had a few "red flags" although no one in our family has it. The psychologist reassured me it was not BP, but it was something they looked for in newly diagnosed ADHD kids.

Good luck!!