Quite frankly I don't find the pdoc's attitude toward your family as acceptable. I know that sounds harsh but it is not meant to be--but why is he ok with him being depressed all summer? I don't think I would care for that attitude. Some children do very well on Depakote. What is the objection? Keeping in mind any m.s. will take a good 4-6 weeks to see improvement, why wait until September, when school is in?

I don't mean this to second guess you at all. I'm just saying I think this pdoc is steering you in this direction that seems rather hopeless and he doesn't have to live with the symptoms. It's not fair to you to have to put up with crying all summer either. I really don't know how you do it anyways! I get what you are saying but does this doctor not have any faith in helping your ds' symptoms beyond this point? If not, why wait until September? In the meantime, ds is not happy?

Monotherapy would be great in a perfect little world but the reality is, most kids with bp need more than one med to function well. Look at Chris with Matt, above, who has depression. Even he takes more than one med for depression/ADHD.

I may not be understanding the situation correctly but this pdoc sounds like he is creating some confusion by doing things in such a blase manner. Our pdoc is immediate with a response when I see symptoms such as you're describing. The goal is to eradicate those ASAP. I hope this doesn't sound "know it all" or anything. I'm just concerned...where is the caring by this doctor about your family? How much more does he expect you to "handle" while he is on vacation? I just am concerned about all those things because I care. I hope you understand what I'm saying (or trying to!)


Mom of 20 years old dd
Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to Paranoid Schizophrenia, Consider
BP I Manic Severe (12/11), Borderline Personality Disorder (12/11)
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