Bipolar children?

[Alwaysworthchecking]

Hello. Does anyone hae 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.

I have been researching this last week if DC3 might be on the spectrum. I haven't seen it discussed on MN before, there are other Internet fora where it's a more regular topic.

The general consensus is that medication makes a huge difference, is your relative on any yet?

I'm very sorry to hear of your relatives's problems.

I have no direct experience but noticed the post as have just finished reading this book.

The book lists the organisations mdf,young minds and sane.

Perhaps try reposting on the Special needs section.

Thank you, thank you, Ragged and Nailonthehead!

He isn't on any meds yet, but his parents have either been told or found out for themselves that this should make a big difference to him.

I will check out that book and links - thank you so much. I will also repost on SN at some point (but hopefully just the once there - sorry about that!)