Could my new friend's son be bipolar rather than just having ADHD & problems adjusting after her divorce?

I met a woman I enjoy talking to & spending the little free time we have with because we have a lot in common. Both single moms, writers trying to get published, and in genealogical research, our ancestors were neighbors 4 generations ago! I haven't yet met her boys yet, but many conversations revolve around them and their day, specifically, her oldest son's behavior. He's almost 8. She says he has ADHD and is on Rispardol for it. From what I know so far, he has a little trouble in school, but the worst problems are at home, where he is often on the attack (literally). My friend and the younger son (a gentle, quiet preschooler) both get hit, scratched, pushed, yelled at, and threatened regularly. He tells her he hates her & is going to kill her (once w/a knife) The boy's said himself he gets mad a lot & doesn't know how to stop. Sometimes he's SO sweet, helpful, and thoughtful. My friend randomly blames each incident on the divorce, hunger, sleepiness, or need to up his Rispardol dose.

My friend mentioned that as a child her son was never easliy calmed. He always wanted to have close body contact, not be alone, and he chugged down his bottles like he was never going to be fed again.

I have bipolar and was misdiagonsed with ADHD when I was 11 and I was like him when I was a child. I think he has some problem unfourntaly I dont know much more than what you tell me. On that I say yes.The best thing that I can say is suggest that he go to a cognitive behavior therpist. I also developed it after my parents divorce. The therepist will help with the divorce and then add a pshyctrist and tell them what is going and what you suspect and they will see what they can do to help.

my daughter is the same way . Rispardol is for mood swings or bipolar disease my daughter also takes it because she has bipolar disease. He needs a psych evaluation and may need addtional medications and therapy but she needs to get a consult first .the Rispardol isnt doing the job!

Was there physical abuse during their marriage? It sounds like a lot of learned behavior and he is mimicking what he has witnessed. He may be bi polar as well. Seek advice of a therapist that can diagnose him properly. It sounds as the medication (if he even needs it) isn't working.

I suggest that you check out RISPERDAL at www.drugs.com and http://crazymeds.us then refer her. In my opinion, she should consult a p(a)ediatrician, or child psychologist. I certainly question the wisdom of prescribing such a potentially risky medication, meant for schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, on a child who has not been diagnosed with either of those disorders. Boys need positive male role models. Sections 10, 40, and 22 - 25, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris provide more information, and weblinks. It is safe to start him on 2 - 3 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily. Minimise sugar, and highly processed grains (white bread, donuts, cake, and cookies). Fruit sugar, in the sugar aisle at the supermarket is much better for him. Eliminate food additives, such as colorings, preservatives, and flavorings. More non starchy vegetables, fruit, and wholefoods. www.kidshealth.com is a good source of general advice. Get a second opinion, from a mental health professional before medicating him.

It's been proven that there's a high probability thatchildren with ADD will become bi-polar.