Question:
It has just been suggested to me for the first time that my 8-yr old w/ADD might be showing some signs of bipolar disorder (I adopted her at birth, but her birth-mother's medical history does make reference to possible bipolar in the family). Please help me by steering me toward some sites that will:
1) provide me with a very basic understanding of bipolar disorder; and
2) address the specific combination of a child with both ADHD and
bipolar disorder.
Answer:
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation maintains the web site
http://www.bpkids.org. There you will find articles, message boards,
mailing lists, book information...and many others who share this
situation. And yes, many kids with bipolar also have ADHD. Here are some links which will help differentiate bipolar and ADHD: http://members.home.net/tourettenowwhat/ts_links.htm#bipolar I have a 13 yo boy with bipolar and adhd. Good luck it's a challenge. Our
hardest part is never knowing what is going to set him off. My son is a
rapid cycler. He used to go through 15-20 different moods in a day.
Extremely angry, to depressed, to giddy, elated. Sometimes all in a matter
of minutes.
Do you have her on meds? That has been a lifesaver for us. He still has
occasional break throughs but not nearly as severe.
