I would definitely talk to her doctor about this. Is there a history of bipolar in your family or her father's family?

It may just be a reaction to the medication but I would check this out with your doctor and/or a psychologist. If she were to have child onset bipolar disorder, the ADHD medication would make it worse unless the bipolar is treated first. Let the doctor know specifics about what is happening and when. Does it happen every day when she is on the meds, when she is coming off the meds, etc.

Good luck, Elaine

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There is no bipolar on either side; it's just the extreme nature of her reactions to everything that seem so over the top. I thought maybe this is a stage most 4 year olds go through, but it's wearing us out!

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While only a doctor can really know for sure whether your daughter's mood swings are developmentally normal or something more serious (many details are necessary), most preschoolers around her age go through a phase in which they display mood swings and more defiant behavior.

Here's what childrenshospital.org says:

How does my child interact with others? A very important part of growing up is the ability to interact and socialize with others. This can be a frustrating transition for the parent as children go through different stages, some of which are not always easy to handle. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

• • 4-year-olds:

o very independent, wants to do things on his/her own o selfish, does not like to share o moody; mood swings are common o may be aggressive during mood swings and become aggressive to family members o has a number of fears o may have imaginary playmates o likes to explore the body and may play doctor and nurse o might "run away" or threaten to do so o fights with siblings o will often play with others in groups

• • 5-year-olds:

o generally more cooperative than 4-year-olds o generally more responsible than 4-year-olds o eager to please others and make them happy o has good manners o dresses self completely without help o gets along well with parents o likes to cook and play sports o as child enters school, he/she may become more attached to parent

so, her mood swings could be a normal developmental stage. And the good news is that it will probably get better!

Good Luck!

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It is so encouraging to read the 5-year old expectations...although I know my daughter will always be "more", to quote Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, it's nice to know it will get better. Also, we stopped the meds today just to see, and she was SO much happier. We only had one argument, and it was short and mild compared to recently. Unfortunately, since she wasn't medicated, I am exhausted from keeping up with her all day! Any suggestions?

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Hi,

My son took Adderall for about 2 weeks and had the same problem. He would get so irritated, screaming, fighting. I asked him what was wrong with him and he said " I am very frustrated and irritable and I can't help it. " I told his doctor that I thought it was the Adderall that was causing him to be so upset and it was only when the medication was starting to wear off. He became his normal self as soon as we took him off the Adderall and started him on Ritalin. He was 11 years old. supergokart

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I've heard quite often that Adderall can have those type of side effects. I would ask the doctor if there is an alternate med to try.

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We put my son on ADHD meds right at 5. Most of the side effects (such as the mood swings) took about 6 weeks to subside.

You may want to play with the dose. My son has been on meds for 2 years and we are still trying to hit that sweet spot with dosing. It is amazing how differently kids metabolize the drugs... my son is a "fast metabolizer" ( we just figured that out recently) so even the longer acting dosages need a booster for him. I, on the other hand, take a very low dose non long acting twice a day and that works great for me.

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