Avatar Posted by GreatAuntKat 220 days ago (Question)
My neice claims her daughter,age 4 is Bipolar. I find it difficult to believe a professional Dr. would diagnose and prescibe Abilify to a child based on conversations with her and her child. Apparently, this is based on her mothers claim that her child is unruly and ' blocks ' out people telling her things she does not want to hear.
Am I being "unkind" when I say "mom is in need of 'help' more than the child?


Answers

Written by bellacutie 220 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi GreatAuntkat,

I have never heard of a 4yr. old child being diagnosed as bipolar. Even though we're not doctors or psychologists here, I feel it's safe to say it's ridiculous

Some medications that are suitable for adults, have bad effects on children. What does the child's Grandmother or other family members say about this. How do you and your neice get along? Do you think she was dead serious when she said this?

If your neice is really going to do this, then someone needs to nicely talk to her and tell her to find a second opinion from a pediatrician. I emphasize the word nicely because you don't want to make her mad, where she may just say "butt out".

I live in Canada and there is a strong education awareness about Positive Parenting. I think your neice needs to find other ways to handle your neice than medicating her and labelling her Bipolar. A Bipolar diagnosis can't be made until later on in the teenage years. It's normal for children to be unruly and not listen sometimes. I a mom myself of two girls 7 and 11. Yes raising kids can be challenging, but we should medicate them because we don't like their behavior - that's wrong.

It sounds like your neice is struggling with appropriate ways to discipline her child. Maybe you can get the family together to see if anyone else agrees with you. There are many child services that will educate your neice how to positively discipline her child.

I absolutely think that your neice does need help herself, but she needs to hear it in a compassionate way, so she doesn't get upset and say it's none of your business. I hope for the child's sake your neice doesn't do this. Let me know what happens please. Take care.

Written by Edahn 220 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I don't think it's "unkind" to suggest that, but I think, for the sake of the daughter, you have to choose your words very carefully. If you say something that THREATENS the niece, she'll just shut down and become defensive; the daughter will have no chance of being reexamined that way. If, however, you say it in a way that is nonconfrontation, you could get the mom to get a second opinion.

I did a bit of research and diagnoses of bipolar in children is NOT unheard of. It's rare (1-2%), but not crazy. From the little that I read, one problem facing psychiatrists in diagnosing bipolar in kids is distinguishing it from ADHD, although there are ways to differentiate the two.

Here's a foundation for children with bipolar and some info: http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_about

Here's another website with relevant links: http://bipolar.about.com/od/diagnosis/Diagnosis_of_Early_Onset_Bipolar_Disorder.htm

And another interesting article: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/55171

Even with all this, the disorder is hard to diagnose, so you could urge your niece to get a second opinion. It doesn't hurt, and I believe consultations are free. You could explain your concern and just say that you did a little reading and found that getting a second opinion is a smart idea. You might want to SUGGEST it to her (and offer the name of a good child psychiatrist if she's interested) rather than TELLING HER WHAT TO DO. That delivery would probably make her more receptive and make her feel less like her parenting skills were being called into question.

Best,

Edahn

Written by Clyde 212 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I dont think it is unkind either...you just have to watch your words carefully.

Best,

Clyde


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