Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 3/28/2007

Question
Dear Ms. Anthony:

My grandson is six years old and in the first grade.  The last part of his pre-school year, through kindergarten, and so far this school years has been having "rage" problems.  When is with his Mom or myself or another adult one-on-one, he is the smartest, most loving child you could ever know.  But, when he is at school something seems to set him off and he goes into a tangent, hitting other children or teachers.  It just depends who is in his path.  He has been suspended several times and we have tried everything to help him.  He is an only child with no father-figure until one year ago.  His biological father was bi-polar.  Could he be bi-polar?  What is the procedure for testing him to see if he is bi-polar?  My daughter is at her wits end.  Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Garnet M. Van Buskirk

Answer
Hi Garnet:

It is very possible your grandson is bipolar.  Having one parent being bipolar increases a child's chance of inheriting this disorder to 25 percent, plus another five percent for each generation it goes back.  

The symptoms are certainly consistent with bipolar disorder in kids.  What you need to do is have a psychiatrist evaluate your grandson.  The doctor will want to talk with your daughter, possibly your grandson's teachers and your grandson.  Evaluation will be made after careful consideration of all factors.

If your grandson receives treatment early, there is a great chance his life will be perfectly fine.  It is difficult, and raising a bipolar child alone is especially so--but it is possible and with treatment he will get better.

Have your daughter ask the pediatrician for any suggestions of a child psychiatrist.  Or, she can look under mental health in the phone book and there should be some listed.  The evaluation is the first step.
                     Joyce A. Anthony