May 30, 2007
Behavior, Other
Question from Southfield, Michigan, USA:
Our six-year-old daughter, who was adopted at birth, was diagnosed at age three with type 1 diabetes. Her physical puberty began prior to diagnosis and has increased. We have done age/bone scan tests that shows she is normal. She is experiencing severe mood swings, similar to that of a teenager going through puberty. She screams and has tantrums and is also very angry about having diabetes. This behavior is usually saved for home. We took her to a budget therapist that said she could not help her, but wondered if you knew of anybody that may have experience with diabetic children. I am also wondering if anybody else has experienced this.
Answer:
This is not so uncommon in adolescence and, of course, with precocious puberty, this is what one might expect as well. You should discuss with your diabetes team and see if your child would be a candidate for hormone treatment to try to stabilize these mood swings, as well as to get assistance with psychological support and recommendations.
SB