x-Posted to MiracleBean

[miraclebean]

HypoManic Afternoons
I've known for years that Bean's Disorder was rapid cycling. But, man, yesterday was super intense. Had I not been able to get the medicine in him and keep him near me for about :45 minutes, he may as well gone right into a pure manic state.

It's funny when I look back on the afternoon, seperated by it by hours and some sleep.

Comments

[darkgods]

Wow. Just...wow.

[miraclebean]

may I inquire what kind of WoW that is?

[bexplant]

you have the strength to get through this. your unflinching love for your children is the key.

[miraclebean]

I hope you're right that I have the strength. Most certainly I have unflinching love for them; it will likely be my downfall as well. :-D

[bexplant]

seriously doubt it will be your downfall. your love for them gives them a rock to hold on to, an anchor in the storm.

[emploding]

doesn't ritalin increase dopamine in adhd kids (which is all a too-low level of dopamine is)?

[miraclebean]

dopamine starvation is part of adhd; but, dopamine is like the grease that makes the gears in the brain work -- especially frontal lobe executive functions, which controls congnitve functions, as well as mood regulation. Bean has periods where he's symptomatic of adhd; but its only symptoms. It's not his only issue.

[keepcalmcarryon]

Wow I think my mother would give her right arm to have had the type of knowledge that you do when I was growing up. It's amazing the things we now know about mental illness and brain function. I can't imagine what it's like to raise a mentally ill child (though it could happen to me) and I have the utmost respect for informed, caring parents like yourself.