[dayton52]

My daughter was hospitalized 4 days ago when she threatened suicide during a manic phase--she gets angry, abusive, and self-injures when she gets this way. I love my daughter and we're trying to do the right things to help--we'll have her in on-going out-patient therapy, she's on meds (zoloft and risperdone). But honestly, I'm scared about having her home. I know she'll hurt herself again, and I'm not sure I'll handle it correctly. As she's scratching herself, do I try to stop her, just watch and do nothing, try to comfort her? No one has an answer for me. Any help or advice out there? Thanks.

[PT52]

Her psychiatrist or therapist should be giving you guidance on what to do; each situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Have you asked why she's being released if she's still a danger to herself?

[dayton52]

They don't think she's suicidal, but they do say she will likely hurt herself again. If we think she's suicidal again, we're supposed to bring her back to the clinic/hospital. No, they don't have any advice on what to do when she's scratching and biting herself right in front of us.

[PT52]

Originally Posted by dayton52

They don't think she's suicidal, but they do say she will likely hurt herself again. If we think she's suicidal again, we're supposed to bring her back to the clinic/hospital. No, they don't have any advice on what to do when she's scratching and biting herself right in front of us.

Wow, it's amazing sometimes what the experts won't tell us. Maybe someone here will be able to give you some suggestions. Another option is to research it on the internet. I guess the main thing would be to do whatever is necessary to keep her from seriously hurting herself.

[LaraLynn]

I have experience with a child that scratches. My daughter has Tourettes Syndrome and ODD (oppositional defiance disorder) for some reason and several doctors have no answer for us she scratches up her entire body when she gets upset. There are several things we have tried and they help with my daughter, but she is only 11 and we have been dealing with this since she was 6 so I am not sure it will help as I do not know how old your daughter is. We dress her in long sleeves and long pants and we cut off her finger nails. We apply lotion to her arms and legs to help her feel pressure on her skin and rubbing instead of ripping. If she wears a skirt she wears leggings and long socks instead of bear skin. We do not leave her alone for long periods of time. We alert her school that she has been scratching and to be on the look out for this behavior. We do not just allow her to scratch herself up. She once ripped her legs to shreds before we got to her. We try to be much more on top of things since we know what she is capable of.

[dayton52]

LaraLynn--

Thank you. If she starts to scratch herself, how do you get her to stop?

[LaraLynn]

If I find her doing it I can usually reason her into stopping by convincing her to let me put lotion on whatever part she has started to scratch and let her progress from there. She is wanting my attention so I have found that putting the lotion on and acting like the scratching can be stopped that way has helped her calm down. I don't freak out anymore like I did at first it didn't do any good. Try to talk to her when she is calm about ways she thinks might help her. That has really helped with my daughter.

Try to talk to her drs. too.

[dustintochampagne]

i agree that while she's calm, talking to her if there's anything that she can identify that she would REALLY be wanting in those moments when she feels like or is SI'ing, could be helpful.

also, i wanted to add this, just because i wish someone would have let my parents know this when i was younger - but first, let me say, i AM NOT A DOCTOR, and obviously, she has one. i'm just going to say this so maybe it's something you could bring up with her doctor.... it's just that i noticed that you wrote that your daughter is on zoloft, which is an antidepressant - does she struggle with mania a lot? i just ask because it took several years and finding the right doctor to realize that although i kept being prescribed antidepressants while younger, they kept triggering mania. anyway, just sharing some personal experience in hope of possibly helping.

stay strong. communication staying open as possible is important, i believe.

[dayton52]

Hi--

Thanks. I worry about the zoloft, too. I asked the doctor, and she said my dauther has some combination of bipolar and depression, that taking zoloft with the mood stabilizer is relatively safe. I've not sure I agree. She wanted us to let her know if we think the manic episodes do not decrease. If this combination seems not to work (or make things worse), I'll get back to the doctor. I'm unsure about the meds myself right now.

Thank you for sharing, all of you. This really helps.

[PT52]

Originally Posted by dayton52

Hi--

Thanks. I worry about the zoloft, too. I asked the doctor, and she said my dauther has some combination of bipolar and depression, that taking zoloft with the mood stabilizer is relatively safe. I've not sure I agree. She wanted us to let her know if we think the manic episodes do not decrease. If this combination seems not to work (or make things worse), I'll get back to the doctor. I'm unsure about the meds myself right now.

Thank you for sharing, all of you. This really helps.

Something I was wondering about - I don't think you mentioned how old your daughter is; since some anti-depressants can work completely opposite on younger people, it might be something to consider..

[dayton52]

Originally Posted by PT52

Something I was wondering about - I don't think you mentioned how old your daughter is; since some anti-depressants can work completely opposite on younger people, it might be something to consider..

She's 15.

[dayton52]

She's 15.

[PT52]

Originally Posted by dayton52

She's 15.

I'm kind of surprised the doctor doesn't equate the suicidal behavior with the anti-depressant:

Suicide and Zoloft: FDA Warning
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a special warning about the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressant use in children and teenagers. The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers in clinical studies. Zoloft is only approved for use in children and teens with OCD. Although Zoloft is not approved for other uses in children or teenagers, it may be used "off-label" for other conditions in this age group.

[madisgram]

yeah dayton i'd express your concerns re the zoloft.
as for daug. coming home of course u're nervous but giving her your love will go a long way and some comfort food too. she's prob nervous too. if things don't seem right to you, i'd suggest your calling the doc. mom's are good with intuition. i know it won't be easy but try to remain calm...and keep an eye on her without making a big deal. if she isolates it may be time to keep a good eye on her. know we're here for you and care.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by dayton52

Hi--

Thanks. I worry about the zoloft, too. I asked the doctor, and she said my dauther has some combination of bipolar and depression, that taking zoloft with the mood stabilizer is relatively safe. I've not sure I agree. She wanted us to let her know if we think the manic episodes do not decrease. If this combination seems not to work (or make things worse), I'll get back to the doctor. I'm unsure about the meds myself right now.

Thank you for sharing, all of you. This really helps.

Some persons with BP cannot tolerate any type of anti-depressant even with a mood stabilizer. SSRI antidepressants tend to cause more issues for a person diagnosed (zoloft is a SSRI). I know it's easier said than done, but could you ask for a referral to a p-doc that specializes in mood disorders?

I will say as far as antidepressants go I am on one (wellbutrinXL not a SSRI) with my mood stabilizer, but I have had to increase/decrease the dose based on symptoms. I also tend to experience depression most often and rarely become hypomanic or have a mixed episode. I suggest asking the psychiatrist why he is choosing to keep your daughter on an antidepressant when she is in a manic phase.

I'm sorry you are having to watch your daughter suffer with this illness.

[dayton52]

OK, now you've got me scared....

[Miss Laura]

Hey Dayton52,

I think what everyone on here is saying is... we are all different and Bipolar affects us all differently.

Your daught will definately need your support especially since she is so young.

Talk to her doctors and talk to your daughter thats the only advice I think I can give you...

oh ye and remember we are here for you and your daughter

[dayton52]

AGain, thanks.

Can any of your recommend a hotline she might call if she's in an emergency and needs to talk to someone?

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by dayton52

AGain, thanks.Can any of your recommend a hotline she might call if she's in an emergency and needs to talk to someone?

Here is a link to the Ohio Suicide Hotline website:

http://www.suicide.org/hotlines/ohio...-hotlines.html

Here is a link to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. It's a very good website. Here is the link to "Helping someone with a mood disorder"

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/Page...=about_helping

Here is a link to Mood Disorder Society of Canada there is a great information booklet on bipolar that is free to download:

http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/page/quick-facts

[PT52]

Originally Posted by dayton52

OK, now you've got me scared....

It can be scary, but everyone here has some really good advice. The main thing is to educate yourself as much as possible, and be your own (and your daughter's) best advocate..then it's a lot less scary. And don't let anyone blow you off, no matter how many degrees they have - keep asking the questions until you are satisfied with the answers. Lots of hugs..