Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/8/2010

Question
Hello,

I have a 7yr old son. He is loving, kind, thoughtful, full of energy - always on the go constantly, can't keep still for 5 minutes. He has always played me up and misbehaved for me, but always well behaved for other people, but this past 8-10 weeks he is misbehaving at school and all of his out of school activities. He is over-emotional and gets angry and upset very easily. We have talked to him and he says that nothing is worrying him, no one is bullying him and he loves school and all his clubs -his teachers have talked to him aswell - incase something is bothering him but he doesn't want to talk to us about it - and he says that everything is fine.

I am bi-polar, but mild, and was diagnosed when I was about 22. I don't take medication and can manage my illness quite well.

Is it possible that my son could have this condition - how do I get a diagnosis.

Answer
Hello, Karen:

It is indeed very possible that your son has inherited your bipolar disorder.  It is necessary, however, to rule out anything like a physical cause for his behavior (high lead level, thyroid, etc..) Then, if all the physical tests prove to be normal, I would suggest making an appointment with a child psychologist to have him evaluated.  

In the meantime, try to keep a log of his behavior, sleep schedule, and any details involved in the outbursts.  There may be a pattern that emerges.  It will also allow the doctors to see anything that may be missed otherwise.

                                           Joyce A. Anthony