Low platelets and mood swings?

My 3 year old son was diagnosed four weeks ago -- we had a whirlwind day that started with a visit to his pediatrician for bruising and petechiae that seemingly came out of nowhere. The ped sent him for lab work (where his platelet count was <10,000), and then to a ped hematologist (who saw no platelets on the blood smear). From the hematologist, he headed to the hospital where he was admitted that evening for IVIG treatment (another blood draw right before treatment showed platelets of <5,000). He was discharged two days later with a count of 87k. A week later, his count was up to 193k...and then he started dropping. Four days later, he was at 99k, and last week's count was 73k. It's been extremely scary and frustrating feeling so helpless through this all, watching his counts fall and not being able to do anything about it. When he falls below 20k, he'll be back to the hospital for another round of IVIG, but we are hoping and praying he stabilizes and recovers on his own before it comes to that.

I'm wondering if anyone else out there has seen mood swings in their children -- my son is extremely emotional, almost irrational in his mood swings. It seems to be getting worse over the weeks, and I'm looking for some validation that it's related to his ITP. I know there's a relation to platelets and serotonin, but I also know there is some dispute to exactly how much low platelet counts affect moods. Judging by how my son can go from being happy and playful one minute to hysterical the next minute, I'm starting to think there's definitely something going on here. I keep trying to remind myself that he's sick, and this may be a result of it, but I'm extremely stressed by his mood swings. Has anyone else experienced this in the their child?

Thanks so much for any insight. This website and these discussion boards have been an invaluable place to turn for information and support.

My 4 1/2 year old was diagnosed in January 2012. I did notice mood swings right before he needed the 2nd round of IVig. We are going for our fourth next Monday because his platelets have dropped again, however I haven't noticed any significant changes in his mood with this drop, nor the drop before this time (before his 3rd treatment)

Hi -- We are definitely seeing a correlation in our 12 year old, diagnoseda bout 5 weeks ago. She has been treated 3 times since then (ugh) -- the last time with Ivig. She had a horrible experience with the ivig that I won't go into here, BUT about 3 days later her numbers were way way up (never been there before!) to 192!! The stunning thing was her MOOD -- she was the happiest, most joyful, even keel that we'd EVER seen her. I honestly think our poor girl has felt like shit (excuse me) for YEARS. She has always been moody, irritable, easily fatigued, defensive, reactive. It's clear to her dad and I and those who konw her well that she has the best intentions and a good heart but something gets in teh way. With these high platelet levels: it was like the inner person that's always wanted to come out was suddenly WITH US. It has been breathtaking..... that said, today after about 10 days, she had a slightly bloody nose this morning and so we sense her #s are dropping. She is more tired and bit more fussy.

Can you direct me towards the research on seritonin and platelets? that is fascinating.

Wow, I sure believe it too! My 7 year old was diagnosed in February. I consider ourselves "lucky" as the lowest his count has gotten is 23 which was last week. I fear it's worse this week as his neck and collarbone are a mess. He looks like someone tried to strangle him with a nylon rope. We go to a specialist in a couple of weeks.

Tonight, he had a big breakdown. I've noticed he gets "weepy" from time to time and I've wondered if it's related to his count. He said tonight that all the talk of his platelets is too much for him. I agree. We've been so hung up on the number week to week that I have to remember that's my son, not a number I'm dealing with. He has feelings and emotions too and I think he's tried so hard to be brave for 2 months that the burden just became too much. I absolutely notice fatigue and headaches when his count gets low.

I wonder though if some of the mood swings we notice are actually our childrens' reactions to our feelings? Perhaps they can sense when we are especially worried and it causes their emotions to vary widely. They can't express themselves adequately... heck for that matter, I can't express myself adequately in regards to this roller coaster.

I hate that you all are going through this too but I'm glad I'm not alone!

Crossroads514 wrote: I wonder though if some of the mood swings we notice are actually our childrens' reactions to our feelings? Perhaps they can sense when we are especially worried and it causes their emotions to vary widely. They can't express themselves adequately... heck for that matter, I can't express myself adequately in regards to this roller coaster.

I'm beginning to think the same.