2 Yr Old and Mental Disorders

Hey K.,

We have a little guy with the same problems..What we did was have Child Develpment Services "CDS" do some different testing on him..They can give you a ton of advice and share with you on how to deal with the problems..They help children up to age 5ys old so right now they would have a few yrs to work with her..As well as helping you to deal with her....PLEASE do not think for one minute that I am trying to put you down in any way because I am NOT.. I woild also look for a different Dr.If this Dr. isn't listening to what you have to say and trying to help you understand what is going on or even pionting you in the right directions I would look for some one who is welling to work with me instead of brushing the problem aside..Please keep in mind that all of us mos are here for you even if you just need a sounding board to vent...Dealing with children with these kinds of problem can take it's toll on you and we are here for you..:)

You don't have to wait for your DR to tell you your child needs help . . . in Maine we have CDS (Child Developmental Services) You might have something like that in NH. Check it out don't wait.
Good Luck.

Hey K.:

Can't tell you what to do but I can share my experience.

From the time my son was 2, yes 2, I knew things were not "right". Still today, 12 years later, if I could harness his energy, bottle it and sell it, I'd be rich.

So I can say and many, many other parents can, bi-polar/mood orders CAN occur in young children, very young cildren. It is now "medically" documented. NIMH (National Institution of Mental Health), CABF (Children/Adult Bi-Polar Foundation) amoung a few sights to research.

I started with Child Developing Services (CDS) here in Maine and have continuing working with any and every agency that can help my son.

Since I'm his Mom, I'm the only one who knows. I have never, well almost never, allowed anyone to tell me what is best for my child.

If I didn't get what my son needed, I kept asking, and asking and asking.

Finding a doctor that is experienced as a peditrician and refers to specialist is key. Learning your rights and the rights of your daughter is also key.

Starting a written record NOW will help not only for obtaining help but it validated what you as a mom are going through.

Seeking help, get a case manager for your child and talking with other parents of mentally challenged children will help keep you sane. I know it does for me.

Always remember only you know your child, no-one else is qualified. So you go girl and know I go with you in spirit.

Smiles-
W.

Kristin,
It may be helpful to talk with a mental health practioner about your concerns, rather than the pediatrician. While it may be true that she 'seems fine', your concerns for her future are very real and reasonable.
In most cases, bi-polar disorders and personality disorders do not manifest until puberty or later. ADHD is being diagnosed in children earlier now, but it is now considered a 'popular diagnosis' and is often suspect. Make sure that you get a second, independent opinion to confirm a diagnosis.
If your child's doctors aren't responsive or cooperative to your concerns, perhaps they don't fully understand the situation. Give them another chance to address your fears and then maybe it's time to find a better doctor.

Good luck!

I know excatly what you are going through. My 12 year old has adhd and a mood disorder, and my 9 year old has add. I have my hands full. Anyway, I was in your shoes with my 12 year old and we had tried behavior counseling, reward charts, etc and nothing worked. I had to fight with my ped to really listen to me. I was told that there was nothing that they could do until she turned 5. If she is showing signs of it now maybe you could try a behavior chart where she can earn stickers for being good. She is still young enough that you may be able to shape some of her behaviors now. Do you know what I mean. The only thing that I found worked for my own mental state of mind was to start every day on a clean slate and not hold on to things that happened the day before. I may be able to give you some more advice if you can fill me in a little more of what behaviors(if any)she is showing that concern you. Also just remember that just because dad has these issues dosent mean your daugther will as well. I have have 3 kids by the same dad and 2 of them have adhd/add mood disorders, but my youngest has none. So dont let the disorders run you life by worring. I hope this helps a bit.

Hi K.,
They may not be able to diagnose anything at such a young age, except in very extreme cases. Let her doctor know if you have reasons to be concerned that are presented in your baby's behaviors. Also, make sure her family medical history is accurate the next time you see the doctor. The pediatrician may not specialize in the area of mental health, but may be able to give you information about the illnesses. Sometimes, just having the information is helpful. I'm not sure if this helped or not, but Good luck!

hello K.,
I just wanted you to know that if you feel that there is reason for concern about your daughter don't give up. I noticed that my son; who was eventually diagnosed with ADD; was having problems with his attention span and following through with directions. If you feel that your doctor isn't listening to you don't be afraid to change doctors. In short just follow you instincts.

Hi K.--

I have a 5-year old son and a husband who has ADHD as well. Our son showed signs as early as 18 months (before then he had been pretty much the perfect baby). We found a preschool that we really trusted and asked them to tell us if they saw any reason for him to be evaluated. A lot of the behaviors (for ADHD anyway) that they show are fairly normal for toddlers and a lot of ADHD caregivers won't even diagnose until the kid is 6 years old or older. Anyway, try not to borrow trouble. Chances are good that your daughters are fine. Just tell your caregivers and your doctors (i would agree you should find a new pediatrician) of her genetic background and then watch and see.

Our son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was almost 5. There are usually programs around where you can have your child assessed for it if she shows signs (like children's hospital in Boston).

Also, definitely educate yourself on the signs. I know that girls show different signs for ADHD, not just the high energy, no impulse control that boys show, more of a day-dreaminess type of not being able to focus.

Anyway, try and relax about it. Sounds like you have your kids in a good situation now and will do your best to deal with any situations that come up. All kids have issues. You just have a little notice as to what might happen with yours.

It's not the end of the world.

The important thing to remember here is that though mood disorders (bi-polar and borederline) may have hereditary links, they rarely manifest themselves before puberty. If your daughters are showing any signs of ADD/ADHD you should try some of the things suggested here. I wouldn't worry too much about any of it; worrying will only stress you out more. Just take cues from your daughters, now and in the future, and if you feel like they need more help than you can give, seek it out. Until then, just enjoy being a mom.

honestly don't worry until you see signs. if you are so worried about it you may cause her more trouble by assuming there will be a problem. My mother suffers from severe depression and my brothers and I are fine. just because your parent has these issues doesn't mean you do too. keep a watchful eye but let her enjoy being a carefree child. Kids pick up on everything so be careful what you say around them she could become insecure if she knows you think there may be something "wrong" with her.

Hi K.,

I am a mom of a 10 yr old son with bipolar disorder diagnosed at the age of 6. I also have bipolar disorder as did my father,(however this is not always the case, a child having it when A parent does). My son started showing signs of this disorder around the age of 3 and at the age of about 5 or so I knew something was very wrong..yet no one listened. I finally ended up having a NUEROPSYCHOLOGICAL TEST done where he was then diagnosed. I am guessing the reason the doctors are saying she "seems" fine is that at 2 yrs old even 3 it is very hard to diagnose a child with this type of disorder, and even if you do, treatment of any kind, medication or therapy is even harder to do with a child so young. My advice is read, read, read, do as much research as possible and most importantly start keeping a journal, write everything down that you find odd or out of character. When things change, sleeping , eating, moods, write all this down. A journal is going to be a life saver in helping your case with Doctors, its hard to argue with whats in black and white. I also have listed some great sites and books below that were helpful to me. If you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask me, I truely hope this will be of some help to you.

THE BIPOLAR CHILD, by Demitri and Janice Papolos

http://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_about

http://members.aol.com/DrgnKpr1/BPCAT.html

http://www.nami.org/