In Reply to: 8 yr old hospitalized with bipolar/manic depression posted by Shannon on November 03, 2000 at 01:49:45:

I would take him to a few doctors to get a clear answer as to whats wrong with him. Are his problems caused by a chemical imbalance? or are they because of his environment, everything in his life needs to be evaluated....are the fires because of bipolar or something else going on in his life right now. I wouldn't be concerned about the hospitalization, he definitly needs the help, but make sure he's getting therapy from a good doctor who is experienced in young children with bi polar and he's not just getting medication and shoved out the door. Also, if anybody is uncomfortable with the diagnosis i would definitly take him to see another doctor or two. Remeber, u need to treat the person not the symptoms....medication only goes so far.