20th February 2006
Gloria,
Is your DD on stimulant meds for ADD? There are comparative studies between European countries & the USA suggesting that the higher rate of childhood bipolar disorder in the USA may be a result of our love affair with stimulant meds ... that somehow in some developing brains, adding in the extra amphetamine predisposes the child to developing bipolar. So caution before putting her on ADHD meds would not be a bad thing.
With a family history & concerns, you may want to have a professional evaluation by child psychiatrist before signing on for ADD meds.
From personal experience, I highly recommend Omega 3 fish oil to take the edge off & help mellow children's moods. There are products out there (flavored liquids, chewable softgels, pudding-type creams) -- that are quite tasty for young kids & you don't need a prescription to try this.
Some research suggests that kids w/ADHD & mood disorders are a little deficient in certain vitamins & minerals. A good chewable vitamin (make sure it has B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) is also helpful. I found a great sour gummy worm vitamin at Walmart that's only $5/bottle -- you'll have to hide the bottle or it will go too fast!
Epsom salt baths (1 handful of Epsom salts in a tub of warm water & soak) are very good way to help mellow out a child. I highly recommend them unless your child is one who drinks a lot of bathwater (the magnesium in Epsom can have a laxative effect if the child drinks a lot of bathwater).
AND let me say -- when your kids have YOU stressed out Mom, there's nothing better than an Epsom bath for yourself! I love 'em, LOL.
Best wishes.
Is your DD on stimulant meds for ADD? There are comparative studies between European countries & the USA suggesting that the higher rate of childhood bipolar disorder in the USA may be a result of our love affair with stimulant meds ... that somehow in some developing brains, adding in the extra amphetamine predisposes the child to developing bipolar. So caution before putting her on ADHD meds would not be a bad thing.
With a family history & concerns, you may want to have a professional evaluation by child psychiatrist before signing on for ADD meds.
From personal experience, I highly recommend Omega 3 fish oil to take the edge off & help mellow children's moods. There are products out there (flavored liquids, chewable softgels, pudding-type creams) -- that are quite tasty for young kids & you don't need a prescription to try this.
Some research suggests that kids w/ADHD & mood disorders are a little deficient in certain vitamins & minerals. A good chewable vitamin (make sure it has B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) is also helpful. I found a great sour gummy worm vitamin at Walmart that's only $5/bottle -- you'll have to hide the bottle or it will go too fast!
Epsom salt baths (1 handful of Epsom salts in a tub of warm water & soak) are very good way to help mellow out a child. I highly recommend them unless your child is one who drinks a lot of bathwater (the magnesium in Epsom can have a laxative effect if the child drinks a lot of bathwater).
AND let me say -- when your kids have YOU stressed out Mom, there's nothing better than an Epsom bath for yourself! I love 'em, LOL.
Best wishes.