An Update from the National Institute of Mental Health
Symptoms of mania and depression in children and adolescents may manifest themselves through a variety of different behaviors.1,2 When manic, children and adolescents, in contrast to adults, are more likely to be irritable and prone to destructive outbursts than to be elated or euphoric. When depressed, there may be many physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness, frequent absences from school or poor performance in school, talk of or efforts to run away from home, irritability, complaining, unexplained crying, social isolation, poor communication, and extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure. Other manifestations of manic and depressive states may include alcohol or substance abuse and difficulty with relationships.
Indicates a need to be in AARC according to AARC. And they claim to treat this along with the drug addiction, and family therapy.
A Cautionary Note
Effective treatment depends on appropriate diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.
Then again, perhaps Luciano isn't exactly qualified to diagnose someone as drug addicted or bipolar.
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From the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation:
Is substance abuse and addiction related to bipolar disorder?
A majority of teens with untreated bipolar disorder abuse alcohol and drugs. Any child or adolescent who abuses substances should be evaluated for a mood disorder.
Adolescents who seemed normal until puberty and experience a comparatively sudden onset of symptoms are thought to be especially vulnerable to developing addiction to drugs or alcohol. Substances may be readily available among their peers and teens may use them to attempt to control their mood swings and insomnia. If addiction develops, it is essential to treat both the bipolar disorder and the substance abuse at the same time.
It is essential to treat BOTH the bipolar disorder AND the substance abuse at the SAME TIME.
Right, and that's with Luciano diagnosing, and Choate confirming the diagnoses without actually meeting or talking to the client???
The need for prompt and proper diagnosis
Tragically, after symptoms first appear in children, years often pass before treatment begins, if ever. Meanwhile, the disorder worsens and the child's functioning at home, school, and in the community is progressively more impaired.
The importance of proper diagnosis cannot be overstated.
The results of untreated or improperly treated bipolar disorder can include:
an unnecessary increase in symptomatic behaviors leading to removal from school, placement in a residential treatment center, hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital, or incarceration in the juvenile justice system
the development of personality disorders such as narcissistic, antisocial, and borderline personality
a worsening of the disorder due to incorrect medications
drug abuse, accidents, and suicide.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis is not a scientific fact. It is a considered opinion based upon the behavior of the child over time, what is known of the child's family history, the child's response to medications, his or her developmental stage, the current state of scientific knowledge and the training and experience of the doctor making the diagnosis.
Repeat ... DOCTOR ... making the diagnosis.
Left untreated can land a child in a residential treatment center!!! Really!!! But then again AARC is ONLY a DAY treatment center... at least that's what they tell the fire department when it comes to by-law violations.
Competent professionals can disagree on which diagnosis fits an individual best. Diagnosis is important, however, because it guides treatment decisions and allows the family to put a name to the condition that affects their child.
Keyword=COMPETENT
Because children with bipolar disorder can be charming and charismatic during an appointment, they initially may appear to a professional to be functioning well. Therefore, a good evaluation takes at least two appointments and includes a detailed family history.
Only takes one appointment with AARC. The only diagnosis they will consider is "severe drug addiction" even if they have to lie about 5 years of drug use or so instead of less than one to make it all seem more valid.
If possible, have a board-certified child psychiatrist diagnose and treat your child. A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed two to three years of an adult psychiatric residency and two additional years of a child psychiatry fellowship program. Unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of child psychiatrists, and few have extensive experience treating early-onset bipolar disorder.
Teaching hospitals affiliated with reputable medical schools are often a good place to start looking for an experienced child psychiatrist. You can also ask your child's pediatrician for a referral. Check the CABF Directory of Professional Members to see the names of doctors who practice in your area.
If your community does not have a child psychiatrist with expertise in mood disorders, then look for an adult psychiatrist who has 1) a broad background in mood disorders, and 2) experience in treating children and adolescents.
Other specialists who may be able to help, at least with an initial evaluation, include pediatric neurologists. Neurologists have experience with the anti-convulsant medications often used for treating juvenile bipolar disorders. Pediatricians who consult with a psychopharmacologist can also provide competent care if a child psychiatrist is not available.
Some families take their child to nationally-known doctors at teaching hospitals for diagnosis and stabilization. They then turn to local professionals for medical management of their child's treatment and psychotherapy. The local professionals consult with the expert as needed.
Experienced parents recommend that you look for a doctor who:
is knowledgeable about mood disorders, has a strong background in psychopharmacology, and stays up-to-date on the latest research in the field
knows he or she does not have all the answers and welcomes information discovered by the parents
explains medical matters clearly, listens well, and returns phone calls promptly
offers to work closely with parents and values their input
has a good rapport with the child
understands how traumatic a hospitalization is for both child and parents, and keeps in touch with the family during this period
advocates for the child with managed care companies when necessary
advocates for the child with the school to make sure the child receives services appropriate to the child's educational needs.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, in most cases treatment can stabilize mood and allow for management and control of symptoms.
A good treatment plan includes medication, close monitoring of symptoms, education about the illness, counseling or psychotherapy for the individual and family, stress reduction, good nutrition, regular sleep and exercise, and participation in a network of support.
The response to medications and treatment varies. Factors that contribute to a better outcome are:
access to competent medical care
early diagnosis and treatment
adherence to medication and treatment plan
a flexible, low-stress home and school environment
a supportive network of family and friends
Factors that complicate treatment are:
lack of access to competent medical care
time lag between onset of illness and treatment
not taking prescribed medications
stressful and inflexible home and school environment
the co-occurrence of other diagnoses
use of substances such as illegal drugs and alcohol
Can ANY of this be found at AARC? No, only the factors that complicate treatment.
Psychotherapy
In addition to seeing a child psychiatrist, the treatment plan for a child with bipolar disorder usually includes regular therapy sessions with a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed psychologist, or a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and multi-family support groups are an essential part of treatment for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. A support group for the child or adolescent with the disorder can also be beneficial, although few exist.
AARC promises these things, but they don't deliver.
