cyclothymia | ADHD Information

We now are considering that Cody has Cyclothymia (sp?).  His psy.  described it as a milder form of bipolar.  They have highs and lows, but not quite as extreme as a bipolar person.  We have started him on Depakote.  Anyone have any words of wisdom?

I have read that Cyclothymia is treated in the same way BP is treated.  That's why your son was prescribed Depakote, a first-line mood stabilizer used to treat BP.  I have two children on Depakote -- 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter.  They have both done well on it, but we needed to add Lamictal, another mood stabilizer, for depression.  They are improving on this combo of meds.  BTW, Depakote can take 6 to 8 weeks at therapeutic level to see full benefits.  You will also need to take Cody for periodic blood tests to check for liver function, platelets and Depakote blood level.

Is Cody on a stimulant?  Stimulants as well as Strattera can make mood disorders worse.

The doc told us about the blood tests.  We are tapering up his dose of Depakote and when we get to a certain point he needs a 12hr blood test.  The doc wrote it all out for me.  He is not on any more stimulants.  They did not seem to make him worse, except maybe the adderall.  Stratterra did nothing, Wellbutrin did nothing.  We have Focalin xr for prn use untill the Depakote is at a good level, but I do not like to use it unless we are going to something important.  The Focalin tends to zone him out and sometimes makes him very sensitive, maybe depressed.   Cody has never acted depressed, but did get irritable and I guess that can be a form of depression, the doc said.  I can definitely see his hyperness as manic.  I think this makes sense, as he never has the extreme highs and lows.  The doc did say he could end up full blown bipolar as he ages.   School starts the 5th or so of September, and I hope the meds are working by then. 

Our pdocs have told us, too, that irritability is frequently depression in children.  That's how my DD presents.  Good luck with the meds -- mood stabilizers can take a while to work, and it can take a while to get the right combo, but when it's right, it makes all the difference in the world.

For what it's worth, my DS became depressed on Concerta and anxious on Focalin XR.  He's off all stimulants now, and I'm not sure we're putting him back on them, even once we get his mood straightened out.

 

I hope it works.  This has been an experience, and hopefully will become easier with time.

  No words of wisdon crazymama.

 

  Just wanted to say I hope your son responds well to the new med and things get better in your household.

 

  Good luck.