Posted by Daniel J. on September 16, 2003, at 10:16:26
In reply to 13yo son j/diagnosed w/BP...Depakote...help wanted, posted by Singapore on September 16, 2003, at 9:31:16
I have a 15 yr. old son who has had several diagnoses however the overall picture seems to be paranoid schizophrenia (not final as yet). I have not heard of Depakote but I am curious now and I will try to find out more about it. There are similarities in the treatment of BPs an Schizs. My son is on Zyprexa and is now on a 15 mg per day dose because he was "breaking through". When psychotic or psychomotor symptoms are visible then the meds have not taken full effect or dosage needs to be increased. My son walks out into the world when he is "breaking through". We have called police a few times to get him under control. He is in a crisis center now being "stabilized". I can say this much, a few years ago
there was not much hope for cases like this. There
are many meds available now to help with "stabilization" after these take effect their lives can slowly return to normal.
You can monitor pacing (psychomotor) in the afternoons. If it increases notify your Psy Dr. Also watch for "Laugh attacks" they are another sign of "med breakthrough" when the mood swings begin to go out of control. We both feel sad for our children and we love them very much so it is a
difficult time. There is hope and possibility for
a cautious return to normalcy. The meds must be taken! Seek a local support group and find a good therapist. I wish you well.
Regards Dan
poster:Daniel J.
thread:260591
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/260604.html