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issues with- psychiatric
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<blockquote data-quote="smallworld" data-source="post: 48762" data-attributes="member: 2423"><p>klmno, it is frustrating because diagnosing bipolar in children takes a lot of time and effort (and does require a child psychiatrist). It is not always a clear-cut diagnosis at the beginning, but a rule-out over time. It is not diagnosed by testing but by observing the child for years. </p><p></p><p>My son's first diagnosis was ADHD and anxiety at age 9 (according to neuropsychological testing). Over time, as we medicated him with various stimulants and antidepressants, it became clear that there was more going on. When he had a prolonged intense manic reaction after taking 25 mg Zoloft for 3 weeks, his psychiatrist decided that difficult child 1 needed a mood stabilizer and maybe we were looking at bipolar disorder instead of anxiety and unipolar depression. Even though difficult child 1 is being treated as if he has bipolar disorder, his psychiatrist says we will not know for sure until he gets to the other side of puberty. According to neuropsychologist testing last December (which ruled out all learning disabilities and even said ADHD is not a major problem), difficult child's diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder with a rule-out on Bipolar Disorder (based on observations made by the neuropsychologist and questionnaires filled out by the people around difficult child 1). </p><p></p><p>In our case and in your son's, I'm not sure how the therapy would differ all that much whether it's unipolar depression or bipolar disorder. Either way, the child needs to learn to cope with his feelings.</p><p></p><p>I'm guessing the psychologist has some notes, but I think you have to ask your attorney whether you are able to gain access to these records.</p><p></p><p>Yours is not an easy situation. I really feel for you.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="smallworld, post: 48762, member: 2423"] klmno, it is frustrating because diagnosing bipolar in children takes a lot of time and effort (and does require a child psychiatrist). It is not always a clear-cut diagnosis at the beginning, but a rule-out over time. It is not diagnosed by testing but by observing the child for years. My son's first diagnosis was ADHD and anxiety at age 9 (according to neuropsychological testing). Over time, as we medicated him with various stimulants and antidepressants, it became clear that there was more going on. When he had a prolonged intense manic reaction after taking 25 mg Zoloft for 3 weeks, his psychiatrist decided that difficult child 1 needed a mood stabilizer and maybe we were looking at bipolar disorder instead of anxiety and unipolar depression. Even though difficult child 1 is being treated as if he has bipolar disorder, his psychiatrist says we will not know for sure until he gets to the other side of puberty. According to neuropsychologist testing last December (which ruled out all learning disabilities and even said ADHD is not a major problem), difficult child's diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder with a rule-out on Bipolar Disorder (based on observations made by the neuropsychologist and questionnaires filled out by the people around difficult child 1). In our case and in your son's, I'm not sure how the therapy would differ all that much whether it's unipolar depression or bipolar disorder. Either way, the child needs to learn to cope with his feelings. I'm guessing the psychologist has some notes, but I think you have to ask your attorney whether you are able to gain access to these records. Yours is not an easy situation. I really feel for you. [/QUOTE]
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