children's bi-polar disorder

[lynsey]

does anyone know anything about it? it's a lot different from adults. it's a rather new diagnosis. I've read some general facts but anyone have any kids or have worked with kids with it? pre-puberty age.

[interval_illusion]

oh god, here we go... reminds me too much of add/adha... might be real (not bipolar but for kids...), but will be over used and used as an excuse.

only this is worse... i fail to believe that this is real in young children- it's way over diagnosed in adults and has an on set at 17- sounds sick to me....

[lynsey]

that's what i'm thinking is that there may be a few but it's going to turn into the adhd stigma in terms of over diagnosing and become very hard to recognize and treat kids that really have it.oh god, here we go... reminds me too much of add/adha... might be real (not bipolar but for kids...), but will be over used and used as an excuse.

only this is worse... i fail to believe that this is real in young children- it's way over diagnosed in adults and has an on set at 17- sounds sick to me....

[fulmah]

Bipolar Disorder in children is not all that different compared to adults. The difference is in how fast the cycle occurs... children have swings between mania and depression many times a day, versus the much longer cycling time in adults. Because of this, it's hard to diagnose or differentiate from other disorders, but that doesn't make it any less real. When you talk to a three year old that's suicidal and abuse or molestation doesn't seem to be a factor, and there's a history of bipolar disorder in the family, it's a little easier to believe.

[hippie_chick666]

My doctor said that I had signs of bipolar disorder throughout my childhood; however, no one picked up on those until I was diagnosised. I had a lot of problems sleeping and mood swings a lot. Plus, I had problems with my family from a young age. I believe the signs can be there as a child for bipolar disorder.

peace and love