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Bipolar Disorder/10 year old son possible bipolar disorder

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/25/2010


Question
I have bipolar disorder, we are pretty sure our 12 year old daughter has bipolar disorder and we know she has ADHD. Our 10 year old son has ADHD and has terrible mood swings. He is very reactive to anything. We are always walking on eggshells around him. He either gets very angry or cries. He hates school, everyone picks on him. His grades are going down. He is dyslexic and has a hard time learning in a group but is very intelligent otherwise. He is very creative. He told me last night that he hears voices. I know he has terrible nightmares sometimes. Our Physch. has him on ADHD and bipolar meds., so I know he would be worse without them. I have witnessed him beforehand. He is still suffering. I dont know wether to say he is bipolar or not. I know just know something is very wrong. HELP!!! Do you think it sounds like childhood bipolar disorder. I can name some more problems.

Answer
Hi Rebecca:

While I can't give your son a diagnosis, I would seriously consider talking with your current doctor about what is going on.  It seems that there is definitely more than ADHD (which does co-exist often with bipolar disorder).  Part of the problem could be mere frustration from the learning issues, but the nightmares and hearing voices indicate bipolar disorder.  Talk with your doctor as soon as possible and discuss a possible medication change to help alleviate these symptoms.

                   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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