How early can Bipolar be diagnosed in children?!
Question: Friend has a daughter that is 14 years old, she is definitally bipolar. Yet she's being told she can't be diagnosed, she's too young. But i'm finding sites that say elsewhat.
Answers: Friend has a daughter that is 14 years old, she is definitally bipolar. Yet she's being told she can't be diagnosed, she's too young. But i'm finding sites that say elsewhat.
I don't believe 14 is too young but perhaps the doctor is just reluctant to give a diagnosis until she gets through her puberty years as those symptoms can be very similar to bi-polar. Perhaps just a cautious doctor which is not such a bad thing. Too many people these days are mis-diagnosed with bi-polar.
Its normal for teenagers to be moody however with bi-polar the moods are very very extreme and debilitating such that she would struggle to attend school etc.
Also most psychiatrists will want to see someone for a good six months to see the mood swing patterns for themselves, prior to an actual diagnosis.
(I have had bi-polar for over 20 years now)
bipolar is depression plus mania, she will have depression and mania (like talking fast often laughing)
i have a friend whose 7 year old son has been diagnosed with bipolar-your friend's family should get a second opinion from another doctor.