1. I am ignorant in this area. All the medical literature I have read “says” that BPs don’t show signs and symptoms until late teens. I have read numerous comments about those who have children who have BP. I have also discussed this at great length with my shrink and he says it isnt possible to diagnosis them until they are through puberty because you cant separate whats BP and whats hormones.

    How are they being diagnosed? And by who? Somebody inform me because now I feel that I have been given and/or read false information. Being a mother of two, I NEED to know. Thanks for any help someone can give.

  2. maryjane,
    Thanks for the url!!! I joined that site also. I even took the online survey and my daughter met the initial criteria and might be eligible for the studies. I typed in the wrong email address though (duh me as I sat there laughing at myself for a typo mistake, not once but twice since I had to retype it to verify my email account) the fun of having too many personalities on messaging programs, AOL, AIM, Yahoo, etc….

  3. Bipolar disorder has become the new best thing to diagnose someone with — especially kids. This is from the mouths of both my therapist and doctor. The popular diagnosis that blankets all “unexceptable” behavior. I think it’s lazy, and I find it extremely offensive.

    This disorder is serious enough to excuse behavior in the child’s mind. It becomes a virtual free-for-all. Some adults view it this way, as well, but adolescents and teens can really take it and use it to their advantage. I’ve seen it. I’ve been bipolar (and however you phrase it doesn’t offend me) for 25 years. My daughter was diagnosed three years ago, at 14, along with a few other disorders. I don’t believe she’s bipolar, though there is definitely something askew. I believe it was a quick diagnosis based on her Mother’s illness (heredity). I was finally diagnosed at 25, my life in ruins about me. I have worked very, very hard never to use bipolar as an excuse for any of my behavior. Kids are different. I don’t feel I’m saying this properly…but I’m tired of the “oh, well, I’m bipolar” mentality. Since I have been diagnosed, my parents have excused every wrong behavior I’ve ever had, or have, or may have in the future, with my disorder. I read a post here I vehemently agree with — I AM NOT my disorder. My mistakes are my OWN.

    I believe the bipolar “trend” is simply another example of our society not taking responsibility for it’s actions…and most pointedly, parents and kids not taking responsibility for the behaviors and attitudes of our young people.

    A last note…there ARE kids with the disorder, I was one, and it does happen. But doctors are taking one look and diagnosing 10 year olds with this. I believe we have got to become more careful and more considering before any such diagnosing. And those that are bipolar, no matter the age, have got to realize we are STILL responsible for our actions.

  4. Hi, Iam a mom of a bi-polar mixed child with 4 other mental illnesses . i am told there are pecursers for children who have bi-polar. One is a child who has nothing wrong with them but screams and cries all the time like a baby with collic would .they have problems sleeping as infants . I’m not sure if this is so but several books and articles I’ve read on bi-polar children states this. I also watch a movie at our support group called claires story / my stories .I know as a parent we can sometimes get caught up in are parenting world and we forget how the child or sibblings feel dealing with all of this just think if us as parents trying to deal with all this . How do we think the children of this disorder must feel and try to understand what it might be like to be a child going through puberty and dealing with the added stress of having a mental illness too.As parents i can bearly understand every thing I coouldn’t imagine being a sibling or the child with it.

  5. Bipolar disorder IS real in children. Bipolar disorder IS hereditary. Anyone that thinks that a child can’t be diagnosed BP lacks education. It took me 3 long horrible years to find a doctor that believed in this diagnosis in children. It’s not my “bad parenting” that made my child this way. Any parent of a BP child that has struggled like I have knows that it’s not their bad parenting because they’ve tried everything and the only thing that worked was a proper diagnosis, the right medication, and a good support system. Education is key. Websites like this are invaluable. Every parent of a BP child should check out http://www.bpkids.org
    It helps to know that you’re not alone.

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