Bipolar Question | ADHD Information

My son is 5 years old and his main diagnosis is ADHD however, his Psychiatirist has been mentioning bipolar to me, he has asked if it  has ran in my or his dads family I know its not mine but could be his dads because he is a person that has been abusive and anger raged and cant stay out of jail.  However, he is basing this from the aggression and the outrages which are better do to the meds however, I was wondering what age any of your children where officially diagnosed because he (Psychiatrist) told me that he wont diagnose until he is a few years older because hes too young to make such a diagnosis.

 

I was just curious on when any of your children where diagnosised and how much the treatment has differed if they were previously diagnosed with ADHD then Bipolar after wards.  Thanks

We thought for awhile I might be bipolar or schizophrenic, so I was put on Rispradal, but I had shown no previous signs of bipolar or schizo before, and have been on medication since I was 6. Well, I didn't like the Rispradal because it made me sleepy even with the adderall. Also, it turns out the the symptoms I was feeling wasn't bipolar or schizo, I just hadn't slept for a few days and didn't realize it. Ha, I'm an ass.If it could be bipolar, I would NOT put him on any ADHD meds. They'll make it worse. I'd personally find a Psychiatrist (with the MD) who is not shy about diagnosing bipolar in kids, especially if it's on the family tree. It's very hereditary. It is also dangerous to treat it like ADHD. I know kids diagnosed as young as 3, but that was with a very strong family history. A good pdoc can tell bipolar from ADHD. It's not that hard. If it seems to violent/rageful/extreme for ADHD, it is. OlderMom38885.4505671296hello and welcome to the board.... like oldermom said a psychiatrist is the best place to take your son...my son is bipolar and was dx when he was 3 yrs old...only after the doctor beleived he was EXTREMELY adhd and placed my son on adhd meds... it put him in a manic state then i started doing some research on my family history....my god my WHOLE family on my dads side is bipolar..... if your son is bipolar it is very important to get him help ASAP... before his condition gets worse... best of luck to you and your son...and remember we are all here for you...Listen to oldermom she knows what she is talking about! My son is 7 and was diagnosed with bipolar last year. It is REALLY hard to get a child diagnosed with bipolar. Some docs are even reluctant to diagnose any child before they hit puberty. Like she mentioned though it is really dangerous to treat the ADHD if there is a possibility.......I made that mistake and almost paid with my life and my son's life was also in danger.    My son planned to kill me while on a stimulant, made the weapon and staged it all. He also tried to burn the house down, luckily he wasn't successful. Please please please be careful! If your doc is reluctant to diagnose so early call until you find someone who will consider it. With the right meds most of my son's ADHD symptoms have disappeared(while only being on bipolar medications) and he just got through the school year with flying colors! I wish you the very best. Come join us at www.bpkids.org and you will find lots of moms in the same boat. Good luck!