I have a daughter who has been difficult from a very early age - rages that lasted hours, mood swings and violent. She could change at a moments notice with no reason.

By the time she was 8 she was seeing a P-doc and dx'd as ADD, ODD and depression. Through the years we have had to change meds numerous times. When the meds are correct she is a happy, outgoing, social, funny and vivacious person.

She stopped being violent towards us (her family) about 4 years ago but, to control how she feels she began "cutting" herself. This has been addressed numerous times by her P-doc and therapist.

Currently: she is 16 and in a Psychiatric Facility (in-patient). She "cut" her leg up pretty bad. The P-doc at the facility believes her previous dx of ADD, ODD and depression really fit under the Bipolar category (not definite) and are not separate issues and her cutting has become an addiction.

As a very worried and concerned parent I have agreed to allow them to start her on Lithium (last night). I am concerned about her future and the affects of Lithum as well as most of the other mood stabilizers.

I want my happy, outgoing, funny, vivacious child back and not a child who is zoned out or sedated.

I am hoping someone here has had an experience with what we are dealing with and could give me some insight or advice.