I'm having problems with me 6 yr old

Hi,

 My son is 6 and was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 3. Well til now things aren't looking good with him since school has started he has been worse. At first he would ask me about what would happen if he killed me with a knife. (I tried to be calm but that was a bit alarming) Anyway I told him what could happen that the police would put him in jail. Well, he tells me that they wouldn't put a kid in jail. I was very scared to say the least. Then out of the blue he would say that he want's to kill himself and more then once. I asked him if he know what that meant he said "yes, it means I will be gone forever in heaven and won't see ever again". Strong statement for a 6 yr old. He has been suspended from school twice already. I have gotten called from school 5 times. I'm upset because I don't know what's going on no one wants to give me a striaght answer. He has been through so much from the time he was born. He's father has a borderline personality disorder but, I think he has bipolar also. When he was born he was 16 ozs. 11 1/4 inches long. He went through hell. He may be 6 but mentally he's like a 4 or 5 yr old because he was premature at birth. I have spoke with his DR and he told me that it's hard to distinguish the differences with Bipolar and ADHD. One minute he's so sweet and the next it's like he's a different kid. I just wanted to know if anyone else has kids his age and also have ADHD and Bipolar? I've read alot and they say it's hard to tell because Children are different then adults. I would appreciate and advise!  

Thanks,

Erica

Hi Erica,

I know what you are going through. I am a father of an 18 year old so I go through this every day. At times it can be very scary. My son has threatened to oft me in my sleep.   Mental problems are so hard to dianose because they are all very similar. (scitzo. bi-polar, manic, clinical depression, mild form of epilepsy and the list goes on.)

I'm constantly living in fear and he makes me feel like a stranger in my own house. He is now on medication to calm him down (thank god) but that poses a new set of problems.

Some of the symptoms of Bi-Polar to wach for are:

....paranoia.......aggresive and/or violent behavior.......no respect........no motivation...........no initiative.......dual personality(Jecyle & Hyde) .....always wants to sleep......poor eating habits......spending money just for the sake of spending...talking very religious......RAPID CYCLING (constantly talking, sometimes not making any sence (won't shut up).........always seeking attention..... etc.

Very often kids get into trouble with the law etc. and everybody is quick to call him a bad kid when it is an undiagnosed medical problem that can be treated with meds.

I have an 18 year old son that was dianosed with "Bi-Polar" (manic depression) when he was 12 and he has been putting this family through hell. We were very lucky to catch it at an early age.

Just thought I would share my experiences and it feels good to vent.

Good Luck

Randy (Ontario)