mom has bipolar-son has adhd hlp

 i just found out  my som has adhd i was just told last year that i have bipolar.and i also have an older son that is diabetic. i am so confused. i don't know how to handle my son with adhd. he got his pills so far but he will not take it. ant suggestins? please any advise will work...

PMorgan -We had a similar experience with our ADHD son.  None of the ADHD meds worked so we finally gave him Prozac.  What a disaster.  It caused him to become manic just as it did for your son.  I strongly suggest you start giving your son Omega-3 Fatty Acids.  Nordic Naturals is one brand.  Efalex is another.  You can read all about the studies on the relationship between ADHD & these fats in "The LCP Solution" by B. Jacqueline Stordy. 

You're smart to have the hair analysis done because that can show not only mineral deficiencies but also elevated levels of toxins like mercury.  A high copper level is what caused the "Mad Hatters."  They went insane from too much copper.  Also, does your son have white spots on his fingenails? If so, he might have pyroluria.  Is he very fond of cheese and/or milk?  If so, he might have a dairy allergy which could be the root of his problems. Dairy, especially if there's an allergy, keeps certain nutrients from being absorbed such as zinc.  If you're interested in these (and other) natural approaches, feel free to email me.  I've written a book on the subject although it hasn't been published yet.  It's at Acorn Publishing and should be done by June sometime.  Good luck, Linda

Hello again,

Thanks for all the advise from both.  Sometimes you feel like no one really understands, it is helpful to know that I am not alone.  Linda when you finish your book please let me know.  Linda is your son okay now or does he still have mania?  I meet with the Doctor next week for the results on his hair analysis, in the mean time my son is taking a product called min-chex by standard process (natural product)   I have read alot about the Omega -3.  I am trying to hang in there till he gives me a plan of action. 

Thanks again,

patti

Hi Patty,  My son is now 22 and doing fabulously well.  He had to go to drug and alcohol rehab at 18 but he's my miracle child.  He works fulltime as an apprentice, goes to church every week where he also volunteers, goes to AA meetings, plays on a baseball team twice a week and is investing in real estate.  He has a lot of energy but now it's more focused on good things.  I applaud you for getting the hair analysis done!  If I were you, I would start him on the Omega 3s.  One brand is Efalex (hard to find) but it's the one in all the studies in "The LCP Solution."  There's also Nordic Naturals and Natural Factors.  I think they might even come in flavors for kids.  Dr. Sears also sells Omega 3s at the Rx Zone (or something like that) but they're extremely expensive.  Omega 3 gel caps usually cause a fishy aftertaste so it's best to give them to your son right before bed.  Then he won't ever notice the little burps they cause!  Also, be sure he's getting protein 5 times a day, (3 meals & 2 snacks).  Snacks only need to be a couple of peanuts or a piece of beef jerky. A little tip:  my kids have never liked taking vitamins so I bribed them.  I gave them a larger allowance or let them have special privileges for taking them such as more video-game time or whatever.  Also, there are neat little tickets you can buy (or make yourself) that say "Caught You Being Good."  Five tickets entitled them to some little privilege, 10 tickets was for something even better.  Or just get a roll of dimes and nickels and PAY him every time he takes them or eats what he's supposed to.  Kids LOVE that.  My sister used to pay her kids to go get her another cup of coffee or sweep the floor.  They're grown now and very responsible adults so I wouldn't worry about paying them like that.  The book is taking a long time to get published.  Hopefully, it will be done in the next two or three weeks and available to buy.  Watch for it at Acorn Publishing.  I'll have an email address through them so you could email me any time.  Another thing, many people have said they like "Mighty Mins" vitamins for kids.  I would give your son one a day in addition to everything else.  Please do read about pyroluria at restorative health.com and alternative mental health. com.  Harvard also has some info. My whole family has it.  Feel free to write any time - Linda

Hi,

I am spinning my wheels right now.  My son is 9 years and was told about a year ago he was ADHD, so we tried all different meds, last med was stratera along with a anti-depressant because we also starting to notice depression.  Well once we started the anti-depressant my son went out of control, told to pull him immediately.  My son is now off all meds, I was told that if there is underlying bi-polar this could cause mania.  Well my son is not the same child anymore, we are having a very difficult time at school, very defiant, agressive, fights, etc.  I now have a child that I don't feel like i know anymore.  He seems alittle bit paranoid, etc.  He has been off all meds now for about 2 weeks.  I was now told he could be bi-polar.  I took my son for a hair analysis to see what he may be lacking.  I am going to try the natural route first before I make a decision which way to go.  I was also told that it is very hard to tell the difference between bi-polar and ADHD until we have a night mare on our hands.  Has anyone tried meds for bi-polar?  Please write back if anyone has any suggestions, I am so much at a loss right now. 

Hi PMorgan...I strongly suggest that you have a full evaluation done on your son by a neurologist and phycologist. If your son truly does have ADHD and also bipolar disorder, ADHD medications will exacerbate a bipolar disorder. There is no reason for you to wait for a nighmare to occur in order to distinquish between the two as qualified diagnostictians will be able to distinquish between the two. Sometimes many disorders look like ADHD but truly arent and sometimes a child could have ADHD accompanied by other disorders. This is called comorbidy. Although you state that your son was diagnosed with ADHD, there is truly something more going on. Unfortunately, there is no definitive test for these disorders so its important that you seek out a qualified diagnostic team.  I can relate to how you feel for as a parent  its heart wrenching to see your child in such crisis and not having any definitive answers is really overwhelming. I have provided a link for you to check out which will help you understand the differences between bipolar disorder and ADHD. Also, emotional support for parents is critical in these situations so please keep in touch. 

Differences between ADHD and bipolar disorder in children and adolescents