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Bipolar Disorder/bi polar
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Question
My 2 & 1/2 year old daughter is starting show signs of what I believe could be bi polar. Her grandmother on her dads side has pretty severe bi polar and I wouldn't mind betting her father has too (he refuses to see a Dr about it). What are the chances of my daughter actually having bi polar and is it at all treatable in such young children? I realise all children of this age go through bad behavior issues but I truly believe this is much much more.
Hello Sam:
With a grandparent and one parent having bipolar disorder, your daughter would have a thirty percent chance of also having it. At her age, however, I'd take the "watch and see" stance unless she puts herself in danger. You do not mention what behaviors cause you to believe she may be bipolar--that might help.
No doctor is likely to diagnose or treat a child so young. My advice is to start recording anything you believe is beyond the normal scope of 2-year-old behavior--record the behavior, what was said/done, what set it off and how long the episode lasted. The more information you have for a doctor, the better chance of getting any needed help.
Joyce A. Anthony
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 8 |
| Comment | Thanks for you information/advice. What you mentioned is how I was planning on dealing with it for the time being. I was basically just after the percentage rate at this stage as Im aware its not really able to be diagnosed at such a young age. Thanks again. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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