[momof5]

Help I have a seven year old son that the doctor wants to put him on lithium for his ADHD and mood disorder I am not sure what to do I could use some advice on what to do thank you

[zoidy]

What are your main concerns? Has your son tried any other medications so far for these problems? Did the doctor say why lithium rather than something else?

Lithium can be a great medication for mood disorders. However it requires frequent monitoring (and I would imagine even more so in a growing child).

[momof5]

yes we have tried many other meds but they stop working after a while this is kind of last resort

[darkeyes]

I'd try the Lithium,it is an excellent med for mood disorders, and has been long used with a great track record for several decades.
After one has been titrated to the therapeutic dose for them, bloodwork is then done once every 3 months and then once every 6 months,it's really no big deal,especially when you weigh the good side vs the bad side.
Many kids at first who really are bipolar get misdiagnosed with ADD/ADDHD,docs hand out stimulants that can fuel more manic behaviour.
It also can be possible a child has both disorders,but a reputable pdoc will treat the mood disorder first and then combine meds to treat the ADD/ADDHD.
I am mild Bipolar-II and mild ADD,take a mood stabilizer and was given Concerta (finally)for my ADD, it made quite a difference.
If only back in the early 60's this stuff was more known about,would of saved me a lot of poor grades and spankings.
I'd suggest giving it a try,I find it was better for me than Depakote,which was zombifying,the fatique was bad and with Depakote one has to go for bloodwork too,effects the liver.
Lithium for my family members,after other meds,turned to be the best. One brother has Bipolar-I and untreated he can get violent episodes,sooooooooooo Lithium for 33 yrs has been a huge help to him. I understand everyone is different,but it may be worth trying the Lithium,that your doc would like to go with.
Just my personal feelings.

[zoidy]

How is it going momof5?

[Sarah116]

Ah that is always a shock to the parents. "Your son needs brain medicine!" It can be harsh on the parent too I suggest you give it a try and "GIT R DONE!" so you can feel better knowing it worked or did not. Hope and support to you! Sarah
(I took Concerta it was not a success)