Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 10/1/2007

Question
I have been concerned about my son for years and am now realizing he may be bipolar. After doing much internet research he seems to display many of the symptoms. But like most parents am concerned about medicating him. For the past 2 weeks he and I have talked alot about this, he even did an online assessment on the Bipolar web site. In talking to him last night he said he was only agreeing with me to keep the peace. He is defiant and breaks rules almost daily, both at home and at school. I plan on taking him to be assessed tomorrow but am apprehensive. On one hand I want him to be diagnosed as bipolar so I can have answers but on the other hand ......  My husband is not convinced that he is BP. He thinks he is just a bad kid. I guess I am just asking for reassurance as we begin this process.

Thank you

Answer
Donna:

First--there is no such thing as "just a bad kid".  Even if there is no underlying emotional disorder, there is something hurting within the child he/she is trying to get out.

Don't be afraid of taking him.  It is possible he may end up with a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), which is indicative when a child is normally argumentative with authority figures.

Whatever the diagnosis, knowing is much less difficult than not knowing--for with the knowledge, you can begin the process of treatment.  Today's treatments are nowhere as harsh and debillitating as those in the past.

You are doing the right thing by having him evaluated.  In time, he and your husband will both see that.  Don't give up.
           Joyce A. Anthony