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I am new here. I have a 7 year old with behavoir problems since age 5 - temper tantrums, defiant, etc. We started with counseling- once a week and behavior plans- not helping yet. Her doctor first said ADHD put her on Adderral but with one med dose increase, she lost too much weight. Talking to her doctor yesterday, she suggested that my daughter may be bipolar. I just thought "I am such a rotten parent that new really dsciplined her consistency the past two years- she is just screwed up- thats all"
Can a docotr jsut diagnosed bipolar by listening to the episodes being described? What are some of the early signs ot can you share some of the earlier things your children did that led the doctor to diagnose bipolar? Tha would really help me.
My son was diagnosed as Bipolar 3 years ago. It was a long process due to the fact that there are a lot of similarities with Bipolar and ADHD children.
In my son's case what I would describe as temper tantrums were not a problem. His moods were very extreme, he would get very angry over something that someone else would see as "no big deal" and within minutes be laughing again.
My step-son is ADHD and has a tendency to throw a lot of tantrums.
With both of my kids they went through extensive research before diagnosis, including packets that were filled out by several family member and teachers.
I can in no way diagnose your child, but I hope that my experiences help some.
I can say that I like most parents also blamed myself in many cases with my boys, and I want to encourage you to realize that you're are a good mother and taking the time to help your child in any way that you can.
Bipolar Community 
