Pediatric Bipolar

I have a 9 year old boy who is very oppositional temperament horrible. For 5 years we have been pushed into giving him all kinds of drugs that we feel has only made him worse. His most recent physchiatrist says he wants to treat bipolar. We do not want any part of drugs. Are there other ways to deal with this without the use of drugs?? We're all torn by this. They were hospitalized for seven days to "evaluate". He was there only for 10 hours as a doctor who wanted to help! Please: if anyone goes through this, I'd be very grateful for insight and advice.

Firstly I wish to congratulate you to be parents who do not want to take drugs simply because it Kid doctors said. There are several ways you can cope with what will help the long-term use, but you have to do these things every day. I myself have bipolar and I also have a cousin 11 years through the same. First you must have your child on a schedule not only a schedule during the week for school, but the weekend. A delay in getting up every day, a time determined to go to bed every day, set times to eat and play and do homework. Annex is the most important thing to someone bipolar. It makes things easier. We seem to have problems with the unknown and change. I would find a counselor for your child to go to talk to himself. If someone tells you what your child said during the session, I ask you please do not be angry for nothing, "he said. It is probably fair to say how he feels and if you find that he said he did not think Mom and Dad spend enough time with him and you start yelling at him because you feel like he lied, I promise you it will be withdrawn and he is not sharing with the counselor or you and you will not get the case. Good nutrition is another thing. It seems to help in mood and concentration. It's good for snacks "good", but make sure it's getting some vegetables and fruits.
In regard to his hospitalization and evaluation, I'm not sure I would have done that and most doctors will tell you that we must go on drugs and maybe he will, but make you know and research everything they give you. I was 16 when I was diagnoised I took medication for a year and went until last year I am now 23. I stopped taking them again and I feel better without them. I recommend reading the book for Dummies book bipolar. It gives lots of info and can help you travel your way through this disease. Good luck to you and your husband and your son.

first step of drugs are necessary at this age
find a second child psychiatrist who is certified in child psychology
third good luck (I really mean it)

Maybe his problem is all drugs. I'm not in your situation, but if it is new and has been on medication since he was four there is a problem, not necessarily with him, but with you and your doctor. How is a child of four years is to see and be physchiatrist on drugs? Children do not always agree and good humor. You should see another doctor and take this poor kid off the medication and let him be a child.

You should get a second opinion before accepting any medication, regardless of the diagnosis. Jump to another pediatric psychiatrist, and learn more about ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), and also on CD (Conduct Disorder). It is so easy for doctors to just throw the tag depression on a child and stuff him full of drugs that will probably not help, then you must be an advocate for your son and to find a doctor which will make the effort to properly diagnose him and if he needs medication to make sure it is right for him and is given in doses appropriate to their age and weight. Sometimes you can not avoid medication for a disorder of childhood, although it is possible, it is very difficult, and only a qualified majority DEP.