http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2009/signific

[charliegirl]

This reaffirms the fact that parents should ask questions and discuss treatment options with their child's pediatrician or psych if medication is suggested as the first line of treatment. It certainly is necessary many times but if you are questioning whether your child actually has bipolar or whether an alternative treatment such as omegas might work, its vital that you discuss every concern with the dr rather than assuming he always knows best.

Children and adolescents with mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder are often treated with antipsychotic medications, especially the newer, second-generation (sometimes called atypical) antipsychotics. However, research has shown that these medications have worrisome cardiovascular and metabolic effects on young people, and their long-term effects on growing bodies are unknown.

www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2009/significant-weight-gain-metabolic-changes-associated-with-antipsychotic-use-in-children.shtml

[katiekat]

Fortunately we have had no issue with weight gain from the Abilify. The other long term issues have always been a concern of mine though. I firmly believe however, that in Sean's case the diagnosis of bipolar is correct and that he absolutely has to be on medication. The Abilify has a made a huge difference in so many ways. Its a tough decision to make, whether or not to medicate, I know we struggled with it for quite a while.

[charliegirl]

I remember the dramatic difference it made for you when Sean started the Abilify. I actually started to have hope that you both would survive his childhood.