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Bipolar Disorder/adhd n bipolar
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Question
i have a nine yr old boy who was dyignosed with adhd but i think personally he has bipolar hes aggresive n has really bad mood swings hes hyper all the time n never sleeps at present he is on 15mg of ritalin but this has no effect and is actually making him worse which ive heard can happen if he is actually by polar my problem is getting anyone to listen to me your help n advice on this matter would be greatfully appreciated
Hi Diana:
Have you discussed the worsening of your son's behavior with the doctor? You are correct in that often ADHD medication will make a child who is actually bipolar worse. This is often what helps a doctor decide which disorder is being dealt with.
If your doctor will not listen. I would suggest you try and find another child psychiatrist who will. A parent needs to be listened to in these matters.
Joyce A. Anthony
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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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