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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Disorder or ADHD

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/6/2007


Question
My 21 year old son was diagnosed with bipolar type 2 about 1 year ago by one doctor.  WE got another opinion and the second doctor diagnosed him with adhd.  I am really confused about who to listen to . He takes wellbutrin and folacin.  I just want to be sure that he gets thej proper disgnosis. Do you have any advice.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Janet:

There is often a problem diagnosing between ADHD and bipolar disorder.  The symptoms of both often are similar--in addition, both disorder frequently co-exist.  It is very likely your son has both disorders.  The best thing is to get treatment for the bipolar disorder first--and then work with the ADHD.  Treating a person for ADHD alone, if they are also bipolar, will make the symptoms of bipolar disorder very noticeable.  Many tims that is the only way a doctor can tell the difference between the two.  It appears your son is getting medication to deal with both--that is good.
                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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