According to the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation, as many as one million adolescents and children are affected by bipolar disorder each year.
Common Misdiagnoses
- Children with bipolar disorder are often diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Most kids with bipolar disorder meet the criteria for these other disorders, so a comprehensive evaluation is important.
ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder
- Kids with bipolar disorder generally appear more angry than do kids with ADHD. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder also tend to have terrifying, gory nightmares, unlike kids with ADHD.
Symptoms
- Juvenile bipolar disorder can cause hyperactivity, inattention, bossiness, defiance and temper tantrums. Parents of kids with bipolar disorder often report that even in infancy, their children were restless, slept little and were hard to calm. Moodiness is a key factor, and children may be very outgoing and charming or socially awkward and shy.
Getting Help
- If you're concerned about your child's behavior or moods, have your pediatrician make a referral to a clinical psychologist or developmental pediatrician experienced in juvenile mood disorders.
Making the Diagnosis
- The doctor will take a complete family history and assess your child's symptoms. He may order further testing to rule out physical reasons for your child's behavior.
Read more: Diagnosis of Juvenile Bipolar | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5402229_diagnosis-juvenile-bipolar.html#ixzz23MZn4KC8
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