Bipolar children?

[Alwaysworthchecking]

Hello. Does anyone have any experience of bi-polar disorder within childhood? A relative of mine has had problems for years (he's only 9 or 10) and it seems he may be bipolar. (Doctors are looking into it and he certainly ticks an awful lot of the boxes.)

Family are at their wits end. Things have been - and are - very, very difficult. Don't want to post too much detail as it is more their business than mine and I do not want to share their private lives, but do want to help, so if anyone has an experience and can pass on tips, advice on coping until diagnosis and good web sites, I'd be so grateful.

Am so sad for him and his family. No one should suffer like that.

Not sure anyone would diagnose bi-polar illness in a child of that age....seems unlikely.

why do you think that the doctors are looking at this particularly?

How come, scurryfunge? (Just curious - I know very little.) His doctor is looking into just that. I've been looking it up online (yeah, yeah - I know )and apparently it is increasingly being diagnosed in children. As I say, I know very little about it but conversations I've been having with my cousin and my mum all talk about bi-polar being the likely diagnosis. (From whichever professionals are involved - not from my rellies just picking a disorder, I hasten to add!)

Cornsilk, it's difficult to say as I am not involved beyond my cousin talking to me about it and my mum doing the same. AFAIK he has been seen from someone from...CAMHS, is it? School and GP are involved and a referral is underway. I do know a few bits and pieces about his behaviour but it is difficult for me to say as I feel I will oversepping the mark, regarding his and their privacy.

I'm sorry - I know that is frustratingly little to go on. I just wondered if anyone had any experience and could recommend any sources of support or advice on what to expect, as my relatives need help right now and yet have no idea how to where to access it.

Thank you both for replying - I do appreciate that.

Look for Early Onset Bipolar Disorder, there's a lot on Google about it. About.com has a lot of into, and also about Mood Disorders in general. Mood Disorders is becoming a huge umbrella term that can mean a lot of different things, mind.

My nephew received a schizophrenia diagnosis at the age of 8yo (sigh). There was uproar in the extended family about that, but it was an official verdict at the time.
I am not sure if he's still on meds, has grown up to be a completely normal seeming adult.

It must be a very stressful time for your relatives. Can CAMHS not recommend any local support groups?

It seems rather unusual for a child to be diagnosed with a mental illness, usually doctors are reluctant to label at such an early age.

Ah, OK Scurryfunge. I understand now. Thanks for clarifying. Not knowing all the details, I cannot say for sure, but his behaviour has been extreme, which may be why this has been suggested.

Cornsilk, good point. I will suggest that.

Ragged, thank you. I will. (Also thank you for posting on both my threads - did not mean to start two. Whoops!)

Some info here about diet-related tactics for dealing with "juvenile" or "pediatric bipolar disorder".

Hi Alwaysworthchecking,

I just wondered whether anything transpired Re your young relative?

I believe that my gorgeous 9 year old daughter is suffering from this.....GP and school have been very willing to listen, CAMHs have not....

Best wishes x