How Young is Too Young to Be Bipolar?

I was born in 64. Back then, a child with behavioral problems was labeled as hyperactive and given ritalin most likely. My mom had given me the prescribed dose, 1 pill - but she said she didn't like what that did to me. I was a zombie, so the next dose she cut in half. She still didn't like what it was doing to me so the next dose was a quarter of what was rx'd and my mother was happy with the result. She did report everything to my doctor. So, my story is the opposite of this poor little angel's story. But what I want to relay here is 1. yes, as parents we must be diligent when our children are on medication, especially powerful, mood altering, mind altering ones. 2. never, ever change dose without doctors approval and finally 3. It turns out that I never was hyperactive or ADD or ADHD which it is commonly referred to today. I was bipolar and misdiagnosed. So I don't think that we are seeing more diagnosis of bipolar in children per se, just more correct diagnosis. I think a lot of the problem is speed doctor appts. There needs to be more time allowed for children especially when it comes to mental illness.

Dear Cristina,
I was diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 disorder in 1996 and hospitalized at the time. However, with good medication, I have been able to overcome this illness and lead a normal life since then.

Can you add the above postscript to my original comment?
Discipline is guidance, not ever punishment.
Thank you.
Martha

Let me please add that I see discipline as boundaries, consistent and firmly set with love.
Martha

My perspective is different. I had a male student when I was a kindergarten day care teacher. He had already been diagnosed bipolar, and his mother confided in me that she aslo was bipolar.
She loved him so much and struggled as he was kicked out of regular school. Then he was almost kicked out of the treatment center.
I was the one who gave the family a tour when they came to our day care. He had a tantrum that day, mild compared to what I later witnessed. One day he became upset because of diet restriction at lunch time. He laid on the floor and with his legs pushed a child height six foot table across the room in one shove.
So much anger in him, for so many reasons. His birth father was long gone and his family now included four children younger than himself. The new father accepted him.
His eyes were haunting. I could see the difference in his look when he was about to lose control, and I worked diligently to build his confidence and to relate with him in a loving and non-disciplinary manner when he was not symptomatic.
His dark brown eyes are beautiful. I still keep in touch with the family. I knelt to look into his face a few weeks ago. He quietly said "I still remember you." I am happy to report that he is back in regular school for some time now.
His home remains in some chaos as you might guess with a single mom with five youngsters. She stays on her medicine. She tried to go to school at the nearby junior college. They had her in Algebra. Of course, she dropped out.
The program and system has failed her and her children. Her day care hours were limited when she was in school. Those children need all the day care opportunity possible so the cycle of poverty can be stopped.
There is a grandmother in this picture, who has been awesome support for this mother and child with bipolar. She bought the little house where they live. She makes sure they have food and winter coats.
I am now inspired to check back with the mom to see whatelse is availabe for her in the area. Since I am involved in NAMI, I have access to resource lists.
And now I just thought of this family as an awesome nomination for the return to my town of Extreme Makeover. They are looking for a family who struggles with mental health issues.
Onward to long term recovery for all.
Martha

The death of Rebecca Riley is a tragedy, but I question the murder conviction.
This child was on powerful medications and should have been supervised more closely by the Doctor and the school nurse. They are also culpable.
Why would the parents believe more medication would cure the child? Where was the counseling for parents and child?
Most young couples today have little experience with child care. Modern families typically have one to three children born within a decade. They have no practical experience in childcare and when coupled with early marriage, we have babies raising babies.
Add in the mobility of today's society and there is very little practical help in childrearing. Raising children with nothing more than on the job training is dubious at best and can quickly become lethal.
Did the Doctor give medications to a four year old child without counseling? Most of these medications are controlled substances. Why didn't the Doctor request an office visit before suppling more medications? For that matter, what qualifications and experience does this Doctor have for pediatric psychiatric care?
It's bad enough that adults are treated for psychiatric disorders without adequate supervision from a qualified Psychiatrist; but it's outrageous for young children to be treated so carelessly.
Children still die from parental careless behavior all the time; drowning in pool or bath, backed over by family car, toxic household chemicals, playing with matches; the list goes on and we do not prosecute the parents for unintended consequences.
Why were these parents so very different?
We don't prosecute parents who refuse vaccinations for their children. Not even when the child dies from the lack of those vaccinations.
Yes, they gave the child way too much medicine, but did the Doctor make sure they understood how dangerous that was? Why wasn't counseling the first option and medication only if necessary and closely supervised?
Sadly, the answer to most of my questions is insurance. It comes down to money. The system didn't care enough until after the death of that precious little girl.

How disturbing.
I did not know the 25% chance. I've been concerned about my daughter. I wonder, how does a parent decide what is normal behavior and what is something that needs help. Maybe something normal to me is actually a result of my bipolar.
IE: Her dramatic tantrums. Her mood swings. Her temper. Her tears.
I've sort of been waiting for puberty, because that is when it has been traditionally diagnosed.

This post really sat with me. I think this mother deserves to be convicted of murder. Diagnosing a child at an early age is possible, but meds aren't going to cure it. believe me I know!
My son was diagnosed recently at the age of 7. I've known since he was 4 that this was most likely going to be the outcome someday, but I've taken my time and exhausted all other options. I don't want him to be bipolar. And I don't want him to be on meds. But I do want to help him.
It's mothers like this though that make mothers like me look crazy and like a pill pusher. She makes me ill!