Bipolar Disorder/BiPolar and ADHD

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/26/2007


Question
My daughter was diagnosed with BiPolar two years ago, her new psychiatrist thinks she may have ADHD as well,do you know if BiPolar could mask or accompany ADHD as well. She has been on seroquel,topomax,depakote,risperdal. None of these meds have really helped her fully,she still deals with angery outbursts on a daily basis.She also has been in therapy for the two years and I feel it may be more. Can she safely take medication safely for both disorders or not? And also is there any meds to look out for in either disorder  She should stay away from completely? Thanks, Heather  (Jess is 9 years old)

Answer
Hi Heather:

ADHD often accompanies bipolar disorder--especially in children.  Both disorders can be treated together but it is necessary to treat the bipolar disorder first.  The medications for ADHD often cause a child with bipolar disorder to become manic if the bipolar disorder isn't being treated.

The only medications I would strictly warn against is any anti-depressant alone.  Make sure your daughter always has a mood stabilizer when she is taking an anti-depressant, or she could become manic.

                         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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