[ashsmom]

My 13 yr old daughter was just recently diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 with severe psychosis. She tried to overdose and went into a behavioral hospital and was diagnosed there about 2 1/2 weeks ago. It has been a major change in our lives. Her dad and I are divorced and he has primary custody of her but as usual I do most of the work involving our daughter. He barely finished sorting the things that had to be locked up when she was coming home because i had to go to his house and get it done. He is good about giving her meds on time and they now have a date night for dad/daughter times. When school starts I will have primary custody finally. He swore I would have to take him to court last time we talked about her living with me but now that she has been diagnosed he even is wiling to throw in child support when she comes to live with me. sorry about ranting about him! She has done extremely well since she has been on medication. I am so happy she feels good about herself right now but at the same time I am scared of how long I have her happy. She takes Risperdol for her bipolar, Prozac for depression and benedryl for sleep. She is just going this coming week to her new therapist since she was released from the hospital on May 23.

[Mari]

Originally Posted by ashsmom

She takes Risperdol for her bipolar, Prozac for depression and benedryl for sleep.

Hi,

That is great that she has a diagnosis and that she is happier.
She will be able to ask for accommodations at school under Section 504 and also under the ADA.

Get a copy of the book Bipolar for Dummies for yourself.

Also, keep track of
1 her symptoms
2 her medications
3 her sleep
4 side effects of the meds
5 other events

You can do this by hand on a calendar or electronically.

Mari

[Dmom3005]

Let us know if you need more help.

There are lots of accommodations that the school can use.

So let me know if you need help. I'm a parent advocate in Indiana.

Donna

[amomgonenuts]

Originally Posted by ashsmom

My 13 yr old daughter was just recently diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 with severe psychosis. She tried to overdose and went into a behavioral hospital and was diagnosed there about 2 1/2 weeks ago. It has been a major change in our lives. Her dad and I are divorced and he has primary custody of her but as usual I do most of the work involving our daughter. He barely finished sorting the things that had to be locked up when she was coming home because i had to go to his house and get it done. He is good about giving her meds on time and they now have a date night for dad/daughter times. When school starts I will have primary custody finally. He swore I would have to take him to court last time we talked about her living with me but now that she has been diagnosed he even is wiling to throw in child support when she comes to live with me. sorry about ranting about him! She has done extremely well since she has been on medication. I am so happy she feels good about herself right now but at the same time I am scared of how long I have her happy. She takes Risperdol for her bipolar, Prozac for depression and benedryl for sleep. She is just going this coming week to her new therapist since she was released from the hospital on May 23.

I do understand you as my son has been diagnosed as bipolar with secondary ADHD. It took us almost a year to get the right diagnosis and its been a long hard road. He just started meds yesterday so I hope I will have the same success you are having. Its hard feeling alone in this. I know I do and have felt like everyone is not quite understanding the daily challenges we face. If you need a friend that can relate and understand I will be here for you!