Bipolar Disorder/14 old daughter

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 9/21/2010


Question
My daughter has been previously diagnosed with ADHD and we never put her on any drugs.  She is constantly changing moods from angry/irritable to hyper to sad.  We are always on eggshells.  New therapist says test show a mood disorder.  can you have Cyclothymia and rapid cycling?  Or what.

Answer
Hi MeChelle:

Your daughter could have rapid-cycling, cyclothymic type--which means she would have very mild mood changes, but the changes would happen frequently.  It seems to me, her moods are more than mild and I'd lean more toward rapid-cycling, Bipolar II.

Take into account, however, that she is fourteen--and mood swings are a regular part of life for girls that age.  I would get a second opinion before placing her on any medication.  

You said the therapist indicated that a "test" showed bipolar.  There is no test for bipolar disorder.  A diagnosis is made after ruling out similar disorders.  I think a second opinion is definitely indicated.

                      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.

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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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