I have read many forums, websites, books, white papers regarding both disorders and have completed assessments/questionnaires as well. Many common behaviors are EXTREMELY similar. Also, since ADHD often accompanies ODD, the diagnosis is further complicated. After all, whatever behaviors are missing from an ODD diagnosis can be “made up” when you throw ADHD into the equation!
So…what is the differential diagnosis between ODD and BIPOLAR in Children?
My son is 8. I would suggest that depression is unique to Bipolar but how does depression manifest itself in an extremely active child who’s always on the go? He would never sit in his room doing nothing – yet he has mentioned wanting to die, hating himself, and threatened to hit himself in the head w/a hammer during one tantrum. Those behaviors are more common with Bipolar. But again, there’s never lethargy, lack of activity, hopelessness, etc. Psych appt (made 3 months ago) is still 3 months away – getting desperate
We have been seeing a cognitve therapist every 2 wks since June. Some visits are just me, some just him and others together. Now that we have all become acquainted, we will be starting to write the behavior management plan at the next session.
Help defining difference between ODD and Bipolar in Children?
Can anyone give information of the Symptoms of Bipolar in children?
My wife and I are started to feel that maybe my son has bipolar but know know what the symptoms are. Can anyone provide some basic information.
What is available for Bipolar children who forget to take meds?
I have a 17 year old male with Bipolar disorder he for gets his meds and probably does not want to take them. He has not completely accepted the diagnosis,the suicide,threats of bodly harm .How ,what I do not know if he will be safe on the streets when he turns 18,how can I protect him from him self?
Beyond the Book, An In-Depth Interview with Mary A. Fristad, Ph.D., ABPP
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Beyond the Book, Bipolar Childen and Their Families, An In-depth Interview Mary A. Fristad, Ph.D., ABPP, explores issues relevant to children with bipolar disorder and their families. Dr. Fristad, a leading clinical researcher in the field, has developed and tested family-based treatments for children with bipolar disorder, and co-authored the popular book, Raising a Moody Child: How to Cope with Depression and Bipolar Disorder. The interview was conducted in preparation fo… Read More >>
Bipolar Disorder in young children?
My step-son is 7 years old and his mother had him committed to a mental hospital for the second time over Christmas. She claims that when he’s alone with her he threatens to hurt her and himself and throws temper tantrums that make him uncontrollable. We’re currently in the middle of a custody dispute and trying to get custody of my step-son, but I’d like to hear from anyone else who has experienced Bipolar disorder in very young children and what types of medications were they put on? My step-son’s mother won’t tell us what medication he’s on or even what the diagnosis is because she doesn’t want us to use in in court against her. I’d just like to know what we may be experiencing if he truly is Bipolar at such a young age (his mother was diagnosed as severely Bipolar in her teens but refuses to take medication). Please help!
Footnote: My husband and I are together trying to get custody of his son (we also have 3 daughters at home).
If you have bipolar disease can you still become a Children psychiatrist?
I have MODERATE bipolar disease. I get frustrated easily but I am pretty good at relaxing and getting myself back together, although I do soemtimes get very upset. When this happens, I just normally stay quiet for a while, about 2 minutes and then I’m fine.
I was just wondering sense they may deal with children that are bipolar. I am not on any medication I just cope with it.. I’m only 13 but I’ve had my mind set on this job sense I was 8. Thanks!
Brandon and the Bipolar Bear: A Story for Children with Bipolar Disorder
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Product Description
By reading the pages of this book, children and adults alike will get a rare glimpse into the private feelings and fears of a bipolar child. Children with bipolar disorder will be able to identify with Brandon’s moods as he cycles between depression and mania. They will be comforted along with Brandon as he learns that he is not the only one who struggles with this inner turmoil. They will be educated as he learns what the illness is, how people get it and why the… Read More >>
Parenting a Bipolar Child: What to Do & Why
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When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s hard for his or her parents to know exactly what to do. What constitutes an effective therapeutic approach to help their bipolar child navigate childhood and adolescence? In this book, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, both specializing in mood disorders, offer a comprehensive overview of the available treatment options and most effective parenting strategies for dealing with this serious conditi… Read More >>
Can young children or babies have bipolar disorders? If so what are the symptoms and how to get them diagnosed?
Some people say that bad behavior is somtimes just a phase. However, mental illness runs in my family. Am I being paranoid? If not, I don’t believe that if that is what is was I would put them on medication just find ways to better understand and care for them. What would be your opinion?
Any sites that speak against diagnosing bipolar disorder in children?
I have to write a paper on how ridiculous it is that children are suddenly being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and about how all celebrities that are out of control suddenly have “bipolar disorder.” I can’t find any sites that speak out against these things. Can you find any?
Bipolar Bubbles
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“This book provides an easy to understand introduction to bipolar disorder for those whose lives intersect with young children who have the diagnosis. The words and illustrations are warm and positive in tone, and will help pave the way for communication between children with bipolar disorder, their friends, family and loved ones.” Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP Professor, Psychiatry & Psychology Director, Research & Psychological Services Division of Ch… Read More >>
60 Minutes – What Killed Rebecca Riley?
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Airdate: 09/30/07 Rebecca Riley was four years old when she died from an overdose of medications given to her for bipolar disorder. The Riley case is an extreme example of a trend in psychiatry: it is now estimated that close to one million children have been diagnosed as bipolar. Doctors treating bipolar kids say they’re saving lives, but critics believe the disorder is overdiagnosed, and that many of the psychiatric medications prescribed are untested on children. This pr… Read More >>
The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child: A Survival Guide for Parents
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HELP IS HERE Bipolar disorder has recently been identified as one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions affecting children — and it is dramatically on the rise. The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child gives parents the sound advice and expert information they need to cope with this challenging diagnosis, and shows how to provide essential care and support for a bipolar child as well as for the rest of the family…. Read More >>