Bipolar Disorder/son with bipolar

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 3/30/2009


Question
Hi, my 12 y/o son was recently diagnosed with bipolar, after many years of thinking he had ahdh/odd. His meds never worked until he was put on abilify. My question is i know it is genetic and they think i may have it as weel, my 10 y/o son acts the same way , but i always pushed it off for him just following the behaviors. should i have him tested? my 14 y/o has no syptoms.

Answer
Hello Rachel:

Bipolar disorder and ADHD both are genetic. If your ten year old is experiencing difficulties, then I would say yes, have him evaluated.  The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances for success.  It is better to have an evaluation and find out he is just following his brother than to not have one and discover he needed help.  
                        Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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